Social rituals of recognition are often designed to be inclusive and diverse, but they can also reproduce moral hierarchies and create power imbalances among participants. These rituals may appear to be egalitarian, but they actually reinforce certain social norms that favor those who have already attained a higher status in society. By examining how these rituals work, it is possible to identify ways in which they perpetuate systems of oppression and inequality.
One example of a social ritual of recognition is the process of job interviewing. Employers often claim to value diversity and equal opportunity when hiring new employees, but their actions speak louder than their words. In many cases, employers will give preference to candidates from elite universities or those who come from privileged backgrounds. This creates an uneven playing field for applicants, as some are given an unfair advantage based solely on their education or socioeconomic status. Similarly, networking events and professional conferences often prioritize certain groups of people over others, such as men over women or white people over people of color.
Another example is the act of dating. When two individuals meet for the first time, they typically engage in small talk to get to know each other better.
This process can become problematic if one person assumes a superior position based on race, gender, class, or other factors.
Someone might assume that they hold more power because they are male, while the other person feels inferior due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Even seemingly innocuous questions like "What do you do for a living?" can reveal underlying biases about what types of occupations are valued by society.
Social rituals of recognition may appear to be inclusive, but they actually reproduce moral hierarchies that favor certain groups at the expense of others. It is important to examine these rituals critically and challenge them when necessary in order to create a more equitable society. By doing so, we can work towards a world where everyone has access to opportunities regardless of their background or identity.
How do social rituals of recognition reproduce moral hierarchies even while claiming inclusivity?
In most cases, social rituals that are meant to recognize individuals within a group tend to reinforce existing power dynamics by favoring those who already hold positions of authority or privilege. This can be seen in situations where someone with a higher rank is given special treatment during a ceremony, such as being awarded a medal for bravery or recognized publicly for their achievements.