The Social Value of Festivals

In a world where leisure shapes identity and communities, festivals have become central to social life—bridging divides, fostering connections, and enriching local cultures. Yet, beyond the economic benefits they often bring, festivals also hold profound potential for social transformation. The Social Value of Festivals: Communicative Creativity and Community Development explores the often-overlooked sociocultural impacts of festivals, offering a comprehensive framework for designing events that create lasting positive change.

Drawing from interdisciplinary research in sociology, cultural studies, and event management, Barbara Maussier presents a theory-driven exploration of how festivals can serve as agents of social value. The text covers everything from the role of festivals in a postmodern leisure society to the strategic, organizational, communicative, and economic elements crucial for successful event planning. Central to the work is the development of a conceptual model that equips festival organizers, policymakers, and cultural institutions with the tools to intentionally foster social change through festival design.

Ideal for scholars, students, and event professionals alike, this book challenges conventional views of festivals as mere entertainment or economic drivers, instead proposing them as powerful tools for fostering community cohesion, cultural exchange, and social innovation. This volume offers critical insights and practical strategies for maximizing the social value of your events.