Detailed Information on Publication Record

MAŇO, Peter. Ritual signaling as an adaptation strategy of marginalized groups: A case study from Mauritius. In Biennial Conference SASA – CASA, Bratislava. 2018.

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Basic information
Original name	Ritual signaling as an adaptation strategy of marginalized groups: A case study from Mauritius.
Name in Czech	Rituálna signalizácia ako adaptačná stratégia marginalizovaných skupín: Prípadová štúdia z Maurícia
Authors	MAŇO, Peter.
Edition	Biennial Conference SASA – CASA, Bratislava, 2018.

Other information
Type of outcome	Presentations at conferences
Confidentiality degree	is not subject to a state or trade secret
Organization unit	Faculty of Arts
Keywords (in Czech)	náboženstvo, rituál, socio-ekonomický status, statusový manažment, utrpenie
Keywords in English	religion, ritual, socio-economic status, status management, suffering
Tags	International impact
Changed by	Changed by: Mgr. Monika Kellnerová, učo 430435. Changed: 26/4/2019 11:28.

Abstract
The process of adaptation is the motor of animal evolution and one of the hallmarks of humankind - humans are considered to be one of the most adaptable animals, not least because we developed culture as an adaptive mechanism. Behavioral ecology looks at various adaptive strategies to local environments by assessing fitness outcomes of behaviors. Life history theory analyzes the timing of these behaviors across the life-span. One of the oldest evolutionary strategies in the adaptive toolkit is ritual - a communication device that guarantees the truthfulness of its message by raising the costs of delivering it. A successful ritual performance can secure access to mates, allies or even gods.  Many groups use costly rituals to signal adherence to the group, its values, norms, and taboos. Individual motivations notwithstanding, the costliness of performance alone communicates devotion and acceptance of the social and cosmic order. At the same time, certain individuals or groups of individuals can use ritual action to challenge the existing order or to improve their social standing in it. Our research on the Mauritian Tamil ritual Kavadi shows that young and low-status men engage in the most extreme and extravagant forms of participation, which is a finding not unique to this island. Lacking other resources, these men are using their bodies by ritually mutilating them to signal their underlying qualities to others and to bargain with gods for their fortune. In this context, ritual serves as an adaptation and status management strategy in a religious group.

Abstract

The process of adaptation is the motor of animal evolution and one of the hallmarks of humankind - humans are considered to be one of the most adaptable animals, not least because we developed culture as an adaptive mechanism. Behavioral ecology looks at various adaptive strategies to local environments by assessing fitness outcomes of behaviors. Life history theory analyzes the timing of these behaviors across the life-span. One of the oldest evolutionary strategies in the adaptive toolkit is ritual - a communication device that guarantees the truthfulness of its message by raising the costs of delivering it. A successful ritual performance can secure access to mates, allies or even gods.  Many groups use costly rituals to signal adherence to the group, its values, norms, and taboos. Individual motivations notwithstanding, the costliness of performance alone communicates devotion and acceptance of the social and cosmic order. At the same time, certain individuals or groups of individuals can use ritual action to challenge the existing order or to improve their social standing in it. Our research on the Mauritian Tamil ritual Kavadi shows that young and low-status men engage in the most extreme and extravagant forms of participation, which is a finding not unique to this island. Lacking other resources, these men are using their bodies by ritually mutilating them to signal their underlying qualities to others and to bargain with gods for their fortune. In this context, ritual serves as an adaptation and status management strategy in a religious group.

Links
EE2.3.20.0048, research and development project	Name: Laboratoř pro experimentální výzkum náboženství