Beyond ritual : exploring organic markets in Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Organic markets have quickly gained popularity and are now a promising subject of study for communication studies. As often repeated actions and behaviors are involved, consumers are engaging in conversation with vendors and other shoppers, and carefully selecting items to purchase. Moreover, these actions can take on symbolic significance as they represent a commitment to healthy, sustainable living and a connection to nature and the environment. This study aims to bring on factual and interpretative answers to the above questions by discussing whether visiting organic marketplaces has a ritualistic aspect. The French anthropologist Marc Augé’s definition of ritual is taken as a reference point for our discussion. To explore whether Augé’s definition of ritual applies to the organic markets in Turkey, our research methodology is based on in-depth interviews and participant observations with the consumers and vendors of the Feriköy organic market.