Abstract
In this chapter, I examine New Age culture in Israel in light of the theories of sub-cultures and of New Social Movements. The central issue under discussion is the relationship between members of social movements and sub-cultures and those they regard as belonging to mainstream Israeli society and culture. This discussion addresses the demarcation and dismantling of boundaries between dominant and alternative cultures, and the paradox inherent in attempting to change the mainstream while cooperating with its members. The chapter is based on participant observation of the Ahava New Age festival and, in particular, of the rituals conducted over the course of the festival. The concluding discussion offers a new interpretation of the rituals, which, so I maintain, contributes to the analysis of alternative cultures that exhibit postmodern attributes.
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Simchai, D. (2017). Inherent Paradox in Cultural Change: New Age Rituals as Case Study. In: Feraro, S., Lewis, J. (eds) Contemporary Alternative Spiritualities in Israel. Palgrave Studies in New Religions and Alternative Spiritualities. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-53913-7_6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-53913-7_6
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