Why do presidential inaugurations matter? Let our expert explain

All eyes are on Washington on Wednesday as the country, and the world for that matter, tune in to watch the inauguration ceremony of Joe Biden as President of the United States. It’s a formal occasion, and one that comes with pomp and circumstance – but after the speeches and the parties, is it a day that really has significance?

It’s a question that’s being asked, and one that Dimitris Xygalatas, an anthropologist and cognitive scientist at the University of Connecticut, decided to answer in a recent contribution to The Conversation.

In the piece, he examines the appeal of such special and momentous occasions on society and why rituals have a great impact on the public’s perception on major events.

The piece is attached – and if you are a reporter looking to learn more of speak to Professor Xygalatas about the significance of the inauguration, simply click on his icon to arrange an interview now.