Rite of Passage and Social Roles

Topic 1: Rite of Passage

A rite of passage is an event that marks a person’s progress from one status to another. It is a universal phenomenon which can

show anthropologists what social hierarchies, values and beliefs are important in specific cultures. Rites of passage are often

ceremonies surrounding events such as other milestoneh are considered important rites of passage for persons of their respective

religions.s within puberty, coming of age, marriage and death. Initiation ceremonies such as baptism, confirmation and bar or bat

Mitzva

I would like you to write and describe an event that you have gone through that has changed your perception of yourself, your

perception by those around you, and any new roles, expectations that came along with your Rite of Passage. How has this passage

changed how you interact with others? How has it changed who you interact with? Please use concepts and terms from the text to

better explain your experiences.

For example; you may describe when you had your first child and the new roles that came with being a mother or father. You may

describe when you got married, graduated from high school, got your driver’s license, etc.

Topic 2: Social Roles

I would like you to describe your various roles (son, daughter, mom, dad, employee, employer, aunt, uncle, brother, sister) that

exist within the social institutions that you occupy. I would like you to choose only a few (no more than 3 or 4) of them that you

deem important and take satisfaction in. Describe the roles, why they are important to you and what are the expectations of those

roles, why you take pride in the role, and how has it changed your perspective (if it has).