On the Elementary Neural Forms of Micro‐Interactional Rituals: Integrating Autonomic Nervous System Functioning Into Interaction Ritual Theory

Abstract

Randall Collins's interaction ritual (IR) theory suggests social solidarity as hardwired in the human neurological capacity for rhythmic entrainment. Yet, this article suggests that IR theory may benefit from being tied more firmly to recent neurobiological research, specifically Stephen W. Porges's polyvagal theory that proposes autonomic nervous system functioning as a basis for emotions and social behavior. In this perspective, IR theory does not sufficiently acknowledge the human nervous system as a system involving a phylogenetically ordered response hierarchy, of which only one subsystem supports prosocial behavior. The ritual ingredients of mutual attention and shared mood may, moreover, be specified as part of a social engagement system, neurally regulating attention and emotional arousal via a face–heart connection. The article suggests that this social engagement system provides part of the neural basis for rhythmic entrainment. The polyvagal theory furthermore challenges IR theory to reconsider the importance of individual biological differences—ritual success may not merely be ascribed to interactional effects, but also to reciprocal causality between situations and neurobiological properties of ritual participants.

Sociology, biology and mechanisms in urban mental health

“…However, the biological pathways from bodies to rhythmic entrainment are not clear from Collins. One interesting possibility has been suggested by Heinskou and Liebst (2016), through the polyvagal parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. This, they observe, is the neural pathway that regulates a number of internal organs, including the heart.…”

Caring collectives and other forms of bystander helping behavior in violent situations

“…Kristina’s intervention is emotionally costly, however, as we shall see in the description below of how she shakes uncontrollably in the aftermath of the conflict. This reaction reflects how involvement in violent conflict may be associated with acute feelings of stress and fear (Collins, 2008; Heinskou and Liebst, 2016).…”

Intervention or Involvement: A Video Observational Analysis of Bouncers in Aggressive Encounters

“…Specifically, humans are evolutionarily predisposed to solidarity entrainment with others, and attempts to act violently against this innate inclination arouses unpleasant feelings of confrontational tension/fear that keep violence at bay (see also Heinskou and Liebst 2016).…”