Professor
Ph.D.: Southern Illinois University, 1981

Contact Information:
Phone: (405) 744-6106
Fax: (405) 744-5780
Office: 003 CLB

E-mail: david.knottnerus@okstate.edu

Personal Web Page

David Knottnerus is currently working on several projects related to “structural ritualization theory.” This perspective focuses on the role rituals play in social life and the processes by which ritualization occurs and leads to the formation, reproduction, and transformation of social structure.

A growing number of investigations have been and are currently being carried out employing the theory (see Structural Ritualization Theory and Research for articles, books, and book chapters utilizing this approach). This work has progressed to the point that several lines of theory development and research employing multiple methodologies are currently under way. At present this research mainly focuses on:

1. Deritualization (i.e., disruptions to social and personal rituals, their consequences, and the ways people may cope with such experiences).

2. The enactment of ritualized practices in organizations and communities.

3. The reproduction of ritualized behaviors and social structure within groups.

4. Strategic ritualization and power.

5. Collective ritual events and emotions.

6. Applied research and social policy.

Dr. Knottnerus recently became the co-editor (with Bernard Phillips) of the book series "Advancing the Sociological Imagination" published by Paradigm Publishers (Boulder, CO). Book proposals and inquiries for possible book projects are welcome. Please send communicattions to: david.knottnerus@okstate.edu.

He has also been involved in the Sociological Imagination Group and has co-chaired recent conferences of the organization in New York (2007) and Montreal (2006). He will co-organize/co-chair the Sociological Imagination Group conference which will precede the 2008 annual meetings of the American Sociological Association, Boston.

In addition to co-editing (with Sing C. Chew) Structure, Culture, and History: Recent Developments in Social Theory (2002) and co-authoring (with Frederique Van de Poel-Knottnerus) Literary Narratives on the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century French Elite Educational System: Rituals and Total Institutions (2002), he has served as President of the Mid-South Sociological Association. He also recently served as a member of the Council for the Theory Section, American Sociological Association.

He is presently writing the book, Ritual as a Missing Link Within Sociology: Structural Ritualization Theory and Research (Paradigm Publishers. Expected completion 2008.) He is also co-editing (with Bernard Phillips) the volume, Confronting Fundamental Social Problems: Advancing the Sociological Imagination. In addition, he is beginning work on two new book manuscripts: Elder Care and Rituals of Abuse in Nursing Homes (with Jason S. Ulsperger) and MegaChurch: Consumer Rituals in Modern Religion (with Alex P. Thornburg).