In sociology, the term ritualist refers to the to the practice of going through the motions of daily life even when the person doesn't accept the goals or values that come with those practices. In other words, the person rejects the institutionalized goals but still takes part in its institutional ways.
Constance has been taking classes at college for 7 years. She is not pursuing any degree but going through the motions of being a student. We can say that <u>she is just going through the motions of being a student but without really accepting the goals of being a student (which would be to pursue a degree and graduate from college)</u>. Therefore, this would be an example of a ritualist.
