This weekend I was at the annual conference for the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, where they held a memorial for sociologist Peter Berger. I thought of Berger and Luckmann’s classic The Social Construction of Reality in the airport on the way home. Whenever people say ritual is dying out, or socially constructed things “aren’t real,” I think of airport lines.
There are always two lines, but rarely any separation other than a sign like this. If you’re lucky, you can catch the gate agent making a big show of opening the “general boarding” lane, but everyone ends up at the same scanner right past the sign (usually only a minute or two after the “elite” passengers). From Berger and Luckmann (the Anchor Books paperback edition):
Evan Stewart is an assistant professor of sociology at University of Massachusetts Boston. You can follow his work at his website, or on BlueSky.The developing human being not only interrelates with a particular natural environment, but with a specific cultural and social order which is mediated to him by the significant others who have charge of him (p. 48).
The symbolic universe orders and thereby legitimates everyday roles, priorities, and operating procedures…even the most trivial transactions of everyday life may come to be imbued with profound significance (p. 99).
Comments 12
Kristen Brown — February 3, 2021
Thank you for sharing good information about Airport Ritual. I think this information will be very helpful to people, especially travelers. Nowadays, travel has become very difficult during the Corona period which has resulted in many people preferring to travel but not being able to travel. But there are many means by which you can still travel, the easiest and safest way is a party bus tour. Currently, you can travel in the safest way by party bus. On the party bus, you can travel with your family and friends. I have received a party bus service from many companies and I like the service from www.partybusoflasvegas.com this luxurious party bus services company, who offers Las Vegas party buses with 20-passenger couch seating and a fully equipped entertainment unit perfect for private parties. So I would recommend people to take a look at their service. Have a Good Day!
delicious — August 9, 2022
Reading the English article is a good way to practice my reading skill and enhance my knowledge. Play LOL Beans to relax
Mark H Black — November 11, 2022
I try to prepare as much as possible for any trip, especially if it is a trip abroad. I plan my trip and even choose places where I can eat. I also recently found foor tours lisbon while preparing for a trip. I thought it was something new and interesting. I have not participated in such tours before.
totoguy — December 25, 2022
After reading this article, I think it is a good writing that contains a lot of meaning, and I think it is a good word that really makes me realize a lot of things in my head and chest. https://totoguy.com/
totovi — December 25, 2022
You share really interesting news that I've never seen on any website. Thank you for sharing here. I think this is a useful post and very useful and knowledgeable. Therefore, I would like to thank you for your efforts in writing this article. https://totovi.com/
totoilmi — December 25, 2022
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article! It's a very interesting smile I love to read and I'm always looking for useful information like this! https://totoilmi.com/
lady james — January 5, 2023
This an excellent blog post. I am grateful for your blog post. I found a lot of approaches after visiting your post flagle. I read one person's post, he helped me and you also check his website.
Jessica Milligan — March 15, 2023
н6765г7568
Emma Evans — March 31, 2023
My main ritual at the airport is to find a place to rent a car. After all, I love road trips and as soon as I arrive in a new country or city, I immediately rent a car. This was the case in PMI and upon arrival, I chose a nice car for myself to make a road trip to Mallorca
Putra Pandawa — May 2, 2023
Epoxy floor services are not only useful for commercial buildings, but also for private homes. At an affordable cost, you can make your home look more modern and clean. https://putrapandawa.com/
Pia Blunt — May 18, 2023
I think the same way about car rental as about airport lines. I usually rent a car when I travel somewhere for my own comfort. I hate depending on someone's schedule and being guided by some patterns. I always choose the same car rental service - Rental24h because I am sure that here I will not be nervous about expensive new and serviced cars.
steve — November 4, 2024
In his reflection on the airport experience, Evan Stewart connects the concept of ritual to the modern travel experience, drawing from Peter Berger’s ideas on social constructs. He observes that despite claims of diminishing rituals, the structured and often predictable nature of airport lines serves as a contemporary ritual, highlighting how social practices endure. This analogy underscores the significance of routines in our lives, even in transitional spaces like airports, reminding us that these rituals shape our understanding of reality and social order.
Herefordshire