# 30. Ritualism ## 30.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 30.5.2. Status-ritualism This technique involves the playing out by a subject of a procedure or structured activity under a set of artificial rules imposed by a manipulator. The individual participating in the ritual may be either a victim or the manipulator himself, with the audience as his victims. It makes reference to a strict convention. Status ritualism first confers upon an individual a role, an authority or a responsibility, and then is used to invoke that position. This invocation is central to the acceptance of the validity of the subject's role by others. Examples of status-ritualism are to be found in corporate personnel recruitment. For example, the formal interview and an employee's induction process embody all kinds of ritualistic protocols designed to subjugate the candidate to the will of the employer. A new employee arriving for his first day of work is formally introduced to his superiors and colleagues. His status and their future mutual relationships are set. The process is a solemn and structured affair. He is then formally trained before commencing his duties. The visibility of his training is the necessary invocation of his new role. This formal ceremony must be played out for the victim to be properly initiated, for him to be accepted into his particular group by the other members, and for him to really feel and become part of his new "club". There are many forms of status-ritual: Graduation from university, first communion, medal giving, knighthoods etc., awards like the Oscars, the Nobel prizes etc. ***Parent:** [[Ritualism]]*