Language:
English
,
German
Pages:
ii, 271 Seiten
,
29,5 cm
Parallel Title:
Erscheint auch als Dittrich, Hana, 1983 - Self, embodiment and sociality
Dissertation note:
Dissertation Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena 2016
DDC:
299.93
Keywords:
Hochschulschrift
;
New Age
;
Holismus
;
Soziale Identität
Abstract:
This dissertation is based on a qualitative enquiry into the beliefs and practices found in Holistic (New Age) spirituality. This ethnographic research took place within New Age centers in the Czech Republic and Germany. It utilized semi-structured interviews with long-term visitors of the centers and therapists and participatory observation was used to study spiritual practices in a holistic milieu. I deal with the question of how New Age practitioners relate to their own selves, their bodies and to others, examining the role of individualism and collectivism in New Age’s holistic spiritual milieu. Holistic spirituality is often described in sociological literature as an individualized, privatized or even narcissistic form of religiosity. Opposing accounts suggest that relating to others plays an important role in a holistic milieu, but how this sociability is manifested in everyday life has not been described in detail. This dissertation aims to fill in this gap and suggests how the "paradox" of emphasizing one's self while demonstrating solidarity with others is possible in reality. While it is true that New Age practitioners pay great attention to their own selves, it is important how the self is conceived. Embodiment is taken into account, while bodywork plays a crucial role in New Age and body is an important means of enabling social interaction. I elaborate how New Age practitioners apply various reflexive body techniques (Nick Crossley) in order to modify and reshape their bodily habitus and cultivate various bodily competences. I relate the findings of the study to a more general topic: transformation of the forms of sociality in contemporary individualized society. I utilize the concepts of resonance (Hartmut Rosa) and porous and buffered self (Charles Taylor) as the main sensitizing concepts.
Note:
Tag der Verteidigung: 03.11.2016
,
Zusammenfassungen in deutscher und englischer Sprache
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