HDFS 315 module 12: rituals

rituals

set of symbolic/sacred actions that are different from the ordinary

routines

ordinary; often repeated on a daily basis

commonalities of rituals & routines

• more than 1 family members

• overt behavior/action

• repetition

• morphostasis/morphogenesis

What makes routines unique from rituals?

• functional communication styles

• little commitment or thought

• can change with little fanfare

• little emotion

• little or no symbolism

• usual ways of behaving

• not as much preparation/follow-up

What makes rituals unique from routines?

• communication related to identity (who we are as a family)

• ideal of commitment

• not easily changed

• great emotion

• highly symbolic

• unique, unusual, extraordinary behavior

• preparation, experience, reintegration

creation of rituals

• cultural traditions handed down through generations

• creation or inventions of new ones

rituals and developmental processes

• rituals are created and evolve over time in families

• new couple might ritualize celebrating different anniversaries

• holidays may center on children

meeting family goals…

• rituals help families acquire meaning and purpose

• sense of being in control of life

• provide feeling of predictability in life

• create memories

goals, rituals, and routines help achieve…

• healthy emotional ties

• ease/facilitate membership changes

• identity formation and reformation

managing rituals

• not inherently healthy and facilitating

• can be unhealthy or destructive if not carried out wisely by families

moderate ritualization is the balance betwee…

• underritualization: few or no rituals

• overritualization: incorporating too many rituals

balance and stability in change

• repetition

• room for change

• appeal to all family members

guidelines for creating/changing rituals

• goals

• form

• content