How has our society become so polarized, and how is collective ceremony a response to that phenomenon?

One of the most active areas of research in political psychology right now is the rise in popularity of extremist political movements.  White supremacist organizations (like Proud Boys),  jihadist groups (such as ISIS), and so many other similar groups are growing in numbers and their influence, all over the planet, is undeniable. 

It is interesting—and also very scary—to recognize that membership in radical groups meets completely normal human needs.  Membership in an extremist group offers a sense of:

Belonging—We are in this together.  You are a part of this community.

Identity—We are a family, a band of brothers.  You are one of us. 

Significance— We need you. You are a hero. 

Recognition—We respect you.  Your presence is necessary here. 

Agency—We are making an impact.  Your actions are consequential. 

Moral purpose—We are defending what is right.  You are a guardian of values. 

Ritual—We share ceremonies, songs, symbols, codes.  You are part of that tradition. 

We are living in a time of social collapse. 

Many Western people lack a sense of togetherness.

Community structures are rapidly breaking down.  

Most Western societies are plagued by a pervasive loneliness epidemic 

as people experience disconnection from one another 

and from the natural world.

In a time of so much change, isolation, transition and uncertainty, it is actually quite easy to understand why someone feeling lonely or lost might gravitate toward a group that meets so many basic human needs.  

In traditional and indigenous cultures, these needs are met through collective, seasonal ceremony.  These ceremonies are not just entertainment. They are technologies for health. 

When we gather for these celebrations, we remember that we belong.  

We remember that we are a part of something larger. 

We remember that our lives have meaning. 

We recognize and witness one another. 

We feel seen and remember that our actions have an impact, on others and on the universe as a whole. 

We nourish our values and in so doing, we nourish life.

In the absence of collective, seasonal celebrations that preserve community and identity, people naturally seek other outlets to meet those basic needs. It is no accident that extremist movements take root among peoples who are not finding other ways to connect, other spaces to belong. 

We need to feel that we belong

to one another

to the water

to the earth

to all of life.