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As the workweek draws to a close, a familiar feeling bubbles up for many: the undeniable pull towards social gatherings and revelry. This weekend ritual of “partying” is more than just a frivolous pastime. Rather it is the outward manifestation of a deeply ingrained human behaviour driven by a complex interplay of psychological, sociological and biological factors.
Our fundamental need to belong and the modern interpretation of the weekend means the urge to socialise and celebrate has become a cornerstone of human experience.
What Lies at the Core
At its core, the desire to party stems from a profound psychological need for social connection. We are inherently social creatures, and a sense of belonging is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. Social gatherings, such as parties, provide a space to reaffirm our bonds, feel accepted, and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation that now permeates modern life.
Psychologists suggest that this drive is a remnant of our evolutionary past, where being part of a group was essential for survival. Our need to belong and feel safe, secure and protected are some of these reasons we seek out parties.
The Weekend is a Modern Construct
The weekend, in its modern form, is a relatively recent invention, born out of the Industrial Revolution as a designated period of rest and leisure. The workweek did not exist before the industrial age. For instance, in India, people work without specific days of rest. The only time they took rest were during festivals, which were holidays. This is the reason you saw so many festivals in India. They helped people take breaks, connect with each other, and celebrate the occasion with rituals and festivities. But as more and more Indians left traditional work and joined the workforce, the workweek became a regular feature in the country as in rest of the world.
You will see the effect of a day of rest in the number of festivals we celebrate now. Many of the lesser known festivals are now celebrated only in name. Some have gained larger prominence due to nationalist reasons. Tagore played a significant role in popularising Durga Puja as a community-based festival while Tilak did the same for Ganesh Chaturthi. But overall, the number of festivals and the fervour we celebrate them with has declined.
Rhythm of Work and Release
This cultural institution has created a societal rhythm of work and release. After a week of conforming to deadlines, schedules, and professional personas, the weekend offers a psychological space to so-called “let loose.” Partying becomes a vehicle for this release, allowing us to shed the constraints of our work identity and express ourselves more freely. This can be a vital mechanism for stress relief and provides a stark and necessary contrast to the structured nature of the workweek.
For those who drink, the presence of alcohol during evening parties also allows them to be at ease and let go of their inhibitions. It even helps some to let their hair down and achieve a deeper level of satisfaction than what would have been otherwise possible. The weekend party becomes a way of rejuvenating oneself after a stressful workweek.
Strengthening the Fabric of Communities
Sociologically, parties and celebrations help strengthen the fabric of our communities. They are rituals that reinforce shared values, norms, and a sense of collective identity. Whether it is a national holiday, a personal milestone, or simply the end of another week, celebrating together fosters a sense of unity and shared experience. These gatherings provide a platform for social comparison, where individuals can observe and interact with their peers, subtly reinforcing social norms and hierarchies.
The Brain Likes the Rewards
The act of partying often involves activities that stimulate the brain’s reward centres. Music, dancing, and social interaction can all trigger the release of endorphins and dopamine, neurochemicals associated with pleasure and bonding. This biological response reinforces the positive feelings associated with partying and strengthens the desire to repeat the experience.
So, the next time you feel the pull to gather with friends as Friday evening approaches, know that you are participating in a time-honoured human tradition that is essential for both individual and collective well-being. Enjoy the weekend.
