Changing identities through collective performance at events: the case of the Redhead Days

Abstract

This paper examines the (collective) performance of identities in an event context. During events, the participants not only engage in face-to-face performances, but also in the collective performances of crowds and audiences. This study analyses collective performance using Collins' framework of Interaction Ritual Chains, which combines Goffman's performance metaphor with Durkheim's work on rituals and collective effervescence. This provides a more complete analysis of the ways identities are performed and (re)constructed during an event. This qualitative study presents the case of the Redhead Days, the world's largest gathering of redheads. Visitor interviews and participant observation over four editions of the event show how a temporary majority of redheads is created, which greatly impacts both face-to-face and collective performance. Social practices that facilitate performance include photographing and storytelling. The data reveal that collective performance is inherently different from face-to-face performance, and that the combination of the two contributes to a change in narrative identities of the event attendees.

Event experiences: measurement and meaning

“…Greg Richards introduced the concept of designing or imagineering events as interaction ritual chains (IRC), using the work of Randall Collins (2014) to analyse the design principles of events as moments of physical co-presence through observations and interviews. This is a line of work that was subsequently developed by Ilja Simons (2020) and Davide Sterchele (2020) through case studies of cultural and sports events, largely based on qualitative research. Qualitative research on experiences was also evident in the analysis of the event visitor journey by Gerritsen and van Olderen (2015), and Arthur Maria Steijn (2015) used a case study approach to examine the design and effects of live music performances.…”

Plenerowa rekreacja twórcza

“…Dla pogłębienia procesu analizy coraz częściej wybierane są jakościowe metody prowadzenia badań (wywiady, obserwacje, techniki wizualne) nad doświadczaniem wydarzeń, które skupiają się jednak na badaniu uczestników (np. Moss i in., 2019;Simons, 2020). Jak przekonują Davies i Jaimangal-Jones (2020), aby naprawdę zrozumieć złożoność doświadczeń związanych z wydarzeniami i ich znaczeniem, należy gromadzić bogate dane oraz warto wykorzystywać podejścia etnograficzne i konstrukcjonistyczne.…”

Application of machine learning to predict visitors’ green behavior in marine protected areas: evidence from Cyprus

“…The second factor is the psychological or physical division between people in the group with outsiders. "Mutual focus of attention" and the "shared mood" are the third and fourth ingredients of a prosperous ritual interaction that altogether bring about a shared excitement that fills the participants with emotional energy (Simons, 2020). Collins (2004) articulates that these emotions create standards of morality and group solidarity.…”