Arts & Culture
Rituals in Strengthening Social Cohesion During Collective Crises
Quick fact
In a 2014 study, participants who engaged in a shared ritual (synchronized movements) showed increased pain tolerance and felt more connected to their group—showing that ritual can bond people even in artificial settings.
Why this is interesting
When a community faces a flood, a pandemic, or a war, people often gather to light candles, hold vigils, or share meals. Why does doing these gestures together make us feel stronger and more connected?