Ritual in Human Evolution and Religion: Psychological and Ritual Resources

This book explores the role of ritual in social life, human evolution, and religion, arguing that they are mechanisms of 'resource management' that cultivate psychological resources such as commitment to communal values, goodwill, and social support. It provides examples from a diverse range of historical contexts and is fascinating reading for students and academics in psychology, sociology, religion, anthropology, and sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound significance of ritual in shaping social life, human evolution, and religion. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the functions and purposes of diverse rituals across the globe, presenting them as mechanisms of resource management. Through meticulous analysis, the author argues that rituals serve as valuable tools for understanding rituals and making predictions about their survival. By demonstrating how rituals have emerged as a response to the need to cultivate social resources vital for sustaining cooperative groups, Rossano presents a distinctive perspective on the role of rituals and their ability to nurture, mobilize, and direct psychological resources.

Rossano's examination spans a wide range of historical contexts, encompassing the Greco-Romans, Soviet Russians, and individuals involved in 'crisis cults.' The book sheds light on how rituals address societal and community challenges by nurturing three essential psychological resources: commitment to communal values, goodwill towards both humans and supernatural agents, and social support or social capital. One of the primary functions of rituals is to bind communities together in the face of threats, disasters, or apathy, highlighting the ancestral practices that have contributed to the development of Homo sapiens, a highly social and interdependent primate species.

Throughout the book, examples from various parts of the world are provided, accompanied by detailed descriptions of both past and contemporary ritual practices. This work appeals to students and scholars in psychology, sociology, religion, anthropology, and sociology, offering a fascinating and insightful exploration of the intricate relationship between ritual, society, and human behavior.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367856922