Interaction Ritual Chains

Collins again demonstrates why he is considered one of the leading social theorists. This ... work of Collins, in particular, transcends the boundaries of sociology... This is an outstanding work for theoretically oriented professional and advanced students in sociology, social psychology, and psychology. Choice Collins argues in this pathbreaking book that ritual--whether in face-to-face conversations or at national presidential funerals--is the key sociological factor that ties group structure and collective beliefs together... Collins plows new ground in several ways. First, he argues that ritual is the central category for all sociological analysis because ritual connects and mediates group structure and beliefs... Second, his work breaks new paths because it proposes a comprehensive theory of ritual grounded in everyday solutions... Finally, Collins bushwhacks new paths when he emphasizes the importance of the emotional energy, what he calls 'collective effervescence,' that is generated by ritual. -- Donald B. Kraybill Christian Century Collins's book is a major contribution to contemporary sociological theory. His approach--a genuinely sociological microfoundation of sociology--is well chosen and carefully carried out ... Interaction ritual theory helps to enrich our knowledge about a core process of social life. Interaction Ritual Chains is a book offering rich insights into this core process. -- Richard Munch American Journal of Sociology