5-1 Discussion: Rites of Passage and Attraction
The cognitive meaning for rites of passage varies across different cultures but generally, they are
believed to play a crucial role in the transition from childhood to adulthood. Many different cultures all
around the world have various rites of passage. The process of the rites of passage brings about a shift in
consciousness that corresponds to the individual’s new social standing (Nuñez, C., & Pfeffer, L., 2016).
One example of the culture variation in relation to rites of passage is that of the Maasai of Tanzania
where male children ages ten to twenty years old are initiated as the “warrior class” of the tribe. The
night preceding the event, the boys sleep in the forest. The boys then return at dawn, singing and
dancing, and drinking an alcohol mixture with milk and cows' blood while still eating meat (Nuñez, C., &
Pfeffer, L., 2016). Following the festivities, the boys then prepare for circumcision which marks their
formal emergence as men, protectors and warriors. The Maasai boys acquire the bravery and courage
they need to protect their families’ homes (Nuñez, C., & Pfeffer, L., 2016).
The Inuit culture of North Baffin Island is another example of culture variation in relation to the rites of
passage. Inuit boys aged eleven and twelve go with their fathers out into the desert to acclimate to the
harsh artic climate and test their hunting skills (Nuñez, C., & Pfeffer, L., 2016). As part of their tradition, a
shaman goes to open the channels of communication between the animals and men. The Inuit boys
acquire survival tactics for times of adversity and braveness (Nuñez, C., & Pfeffer, L., 2016).
The yearning to be around other people is physical attraction and usually occurs in romantic
relationships where an individual wants to be cared for and treated with affection and love. The
experiences of people sharing their feelings with others is emotional attraction and is experienced with
family, friends, and romantic partners. When a romantically involved individual does not need sex is the
experience of romantic attraction (Jhangiani, D. R., Tarry, D. H., & Stangor, D. C., 2014). The feeling of
physical attraction to an individual along with engaging in sexual intimacy with that individual is sexual
attraction. Often, there is no toleration for romantic or sexual attraction to young individuals which
limits the extent of their friendships. Additionally, norms and values that are typically followed by
younger people in most cultures prohibit them from sexual and romantic attractions. Lastly, young girls
and boys at certain ages are separated while participating in rites of passages in which cultural leaders
teach them values of a different nature.
References:
Jhangiani, D. R., Tarry, D. H., & Stangor, D. C. (2014, September 26). Initial Attraction. Principles of Social
Psychology 1st International Edition. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from
https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/initial-attraction/
Nuñez, C., & Pfeffer, L. (2016, July 21). 13 amazing coming of age traditions from around the world.
Global Citizen. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/13-
amazing-coming-of-age-traditions-from-around-th/
