: It is used by individuals or groups to achieve particular social or political goals.
: Its effectiveness relies on participants not seeing the activity for what it "actually" is—a strategic social performance. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice
: Rather than defining "what" a ritual is, Bell focuses on "how" activities are set apart as special. This "ritualization" is a culturally strategic way of acting that distinguishes itself from other social activities. : It is used by individuals or groups
: It is always specific to its immediate physical and cultural context. This "ritualization" is a culturally strategic way of
Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice (1992) is a seminal work by religious studies scholar Catherine Bell that challenged the traditional academic separation of "thought" and "action" . Bell argues that ritual should not be seen as a mindless performance of abstract beliefs but as a called ritualization . Core Theoretical Concepts
Beyond Bell's specific framework, interdisciplinary research highlights several functional benefits of ritual practice: RITUAL THEORY, RITUAL PRACTICE | Catherine Bell