Final answer:
Rites of passage consist of three phases according to Arnold van Gennep: separation, where the individual is detached from their previous status; transition or liminality, a phase of ambiguity and instruction; and incorporation, where the individual is reintegrated into society with a new status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rites of passage are rituals that signify a person's transition from one status to another within their society. Anthropologist Arnold van Gennep identified the three phases that constitute a proper rite of passage as:
Separation: This initial phase involves removing individuals from their usual environment or status. The person or group is physically or symbolically detached from their previous roles in preparation for transition into a new phase of life.
- Transition (also known as liminality): In this ambiguous phase, individuals exist between statuses. Here they may receive special instruction, undergo trials, or perform specific actions that signify their movement towards a new social identity.
- Incorporation (post-limen): The final phase of a rite of passage, where individuals are formally reintroduced to society with their new status. This involves the adoption of new symbols, rights, responsibilities, and often a change in appearance to reflect their changed role or identity.
These stages are evident in various rites of passage, such as puberty rituals, weddings, graduations, and initiation ceremonies, across different cultures and societies.