Polar Expeditions

J. David Knottnerus compares failed and successful polar expeditions in terms of participation in ritual practices and the psychological health of crews, finding that work practices, religious activities, games, parties are all extremely important in increasing crewmembers' ability to cope with severe challenges.

Auteur

J. David Knottnerus is Emeritus Regents Professor of Sociology at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He has published extensively in the areas of ritual dynamics, social theory, social psychology, group processes, social structure, and social inequality. Much of his work in recent years has focused on the development of structural ritualization theory and research, which analyzes the role rituals play in social life.