Rituals are a powerful means to bring people together and reinforce collective identity. They can also exclude those who do not fit in the dominant group norms, perpetuating hierarchies of desirability and exclusion based on factors such as race, gender, class, religion, ability, and sexual orientation. School rituals may be more subtle and insidious than those found in religious or cultural settings because they appear neutral while promoting certain values.
A school tradition might involve singing a song that celebrates the history of the institution, but this could exclude anyone whose family is not part of its founding members. Ritualized practices like sports teams, student clubs, and graduation ceremonies may create a sense of belonging for some students while excluding others who feel left out due to their personal experiences or backgrounds. This paper will explore the potential consequences of ritualized practices in schools and suggest strategies for creating inclusive environments that value diversity.
The first step is to identify which rituals reinforce social hierarchies in your school community. Examine which practices are valued by the majority and what messages these convey about inclusion and exclusion. Are there certain activities that seem mandatory or exclusive? How do teachers or administrators talk about them? Do they promote an image of unity and success, or do they reinforce existing power structures? Consider how these affect marginalized groups within the school system, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, racial minorities, disabled students, etc. By raising awareness of these dynamics, you can begin to challenge them through intentional curriculum choices and alternative ways of engaging with each other.
Consider alternatives to traditional rituals that reflect multiple perspectives and acknowledge diverse identities.
Instead of requiring all students to sing along with a patriotic song at assemblies, invite guest speakers from different cultural backgrounds to share their stories and music. Create open spaces where everyone feels welcome to participate without fear of judgment. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as art clubs, debate teams, or sports teams based on interest rather than pre-existing cliques. Invite guest speakers with disabilities or unique abilities to inspire empathy and understanding across the entire student body. Ritualized practices like graduation ceremonies should also include recognition of student achievements beyond academic performance (e.g., volunteer work, athletic accomplishments, creative endeavors).
Celebrations should be planned with input from all stakeholders so no one is left out.
Educate staff and students about implicit biases and stereotypes that may influence perceptions of desirability and inclusion. Teachers should model inclusive behavior by acknowledging differences between people without tokenizing or reducing them to stereotypes. Students should learn about privilege, oppression, and how power structures affect their daily interactions. This includes discussing topics like gender norms, racial hierarchies, ableism, and heteronormativity to create an atmosphere of respect and curiosity. By challenging assumptions about who belongs or doesn't belong in certain groups, we can build communities where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their perspectives.
Rituals are crucial for creating a sense of belonging within school settings but must be examined closely to ensure they do not reinforce existing social hierarchies. By being intentional about diversity and inclusion in our practices, we can create environments that value multiple identities and perspectives while cultivating respectful relationships among peers.
Can rituals of celebration in school environments create invisible hierarchies of desirability and social inclusion?
Although there is no consensus among scholars about the effect of rituals on social hierarchy formation, many studies have shown that they can play an important role in creating social divisions and exclusionary practices. Rituals can promote certain behaviors, beliefs, and values over others, leading to the creation of norms and standards that become increasingly rigid over time.