Victor Turner was a British cultural anthropologist known for his work on rituals and symbols in society. He is best recognized for his concept of "communitas," which describes the sense of community and equality that emerges during rituals. His studies often focused on the transformative aspects of rites of passage, highlighting how these ceremonies facilitate personal and social change. Turner's research emphasized the importance of liminality, a state of transition where individuals are between social statuses. He explored how this phase allows for new identities and social structures to emerge, influencing fields such as anthropology, sociology, and theater studies.