Carnivalization, Dionic Action, and the Transformation of Normal

• In Event: 545 - Section on Sociology of Culture Roundtable Session.
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 14. Theory II

Abstract

Carnivalization exists as a sociocultural process through which the transgressive celebrations extolling the subcultural practices that have long been marginalized, constrained, sequestered, and even punished, migrate back into the mainstreams of society and as a result alter social norms. Dionic action refers to the contemporary collective action that reinvents what has traditionally been described as “Dionysian”, i.e. collective, passionate, bodily rejection of the status quo, at whatever times and places are best suited for its expression. From the exultation of excess comes transgression of social constraint that is not only permitted, but encouraged, resulting in widespread enactment. In this paper, we examine how, in a broad range of lifestyles, subcultures, and modes of self-expression, this amalgamation of transgressive action, punctuated by persistent challenges to moral boundaries and standards of decency, transforms what is considered “normal”, resulting in, as we put it, the carnivalization of the life world.

Authors

• Diane M. Grams, Loyola University-Chicago

• Lauren Langman, Loyola University-Chicago