Description: Liminality refers to the quality of being on a threshold or boundary, an intermediate state that lies between two phases or conditions. This concept is used in various disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, and cultural theory, to describe moments of transition and transformation. In the anthropological context, liminality is often associated with rites of passage, where individuals experience a state of ambiguity and destabilization before reaching a new identity or status. This liminal state is characterized by the breaking of social norms and the possibility of new experiences and meanings. Liminality can also be seen in the technological realm, where innovations often create intermediate spaces that challenge existing categories and allow for the exploration of new possibilities. In summary, liminality is a concept that encapsulates the experience of being at a point of transition, where usual rules and structures are questioned, and the door to transformation and change is opened.
History: The term ‘liminality’ was popularized by anthropologist Victor Turner in the 1960s, who used it to describe the intermediate phases of rites of passage. Turner built on the earlier work of Arnold van Gennep, who introduced the concept of ‘rites de passage’ in his 1909 work ‘Les rites de passage’. Over the years, liminality has evolved and been applied to various fields, including cultural studies and theories of identity and modernity.
Uses: Liminality is used in anthropology to analyze rites of passage, in psychology to understand emotional transition states, and in cultural studies to explore fluid identities. It is also applied in the technological realm to describe moments of disruptive change, where innovations create new realities and challenge existing structures.
Examples: An example of liminality in anthropology is the initiation ritual for young people in some cultures, where they undergo a period of isolation and learning before being accepted as adults. In the technological realm, the emergence of digital platforms has created a liminal space where social interactions and identities are constantly redefined.
