Forming and Performing Communitas

Abstract

In the analysis of the 'community spirit' in the scene I refer – as was already mentioned in the theoretical part – to the concepts of Victor Turner. It is important to stress again that by this reference I do not want to evoke the idea that elements of so-called 'primitive', 'agrarian' or 'pre-modern' societies could be identified in the scenes of complex societies. As I tried to make clear, I do not understand youth as a 'liminal phase' between childhood and adulthood, between two fixed social positions linked by transitional rituals, which youth has to develop for itself because social guidance would be absent. Nevertheless, I will use Turner's terminology, basically for two reasons. First, because the scene itself is using an 'insider/outsider' categorization in which Turner's distinction between anti-structure and structure can be recognized. Second, because 'liminal' experiences plays an important role for the scene, as I will explain in more detail in this chapter. In accordance with the previous chapter, in which was highlighted that activities and performance are crucial for the individual identification with the group, also in this chapter the main focus will be set on practices. As stated above, I will differentiate between experienced, normative, ideological, and imagined communitas. A main focus will remain on the experienced communitas, since I understand this form as the model or the blueprint for all further types.