Final answer:
Formal rites of passage are important because they mark significant transitions in a person's life and reinforce social norms and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal rites of passage are important because they mark significant transitions in a person's life and help to reinforce social norms and values. These rituals provide a clear demarcation between different stages of life and allow individuals to be formally recognized and incorporated into a new social category. In Western society, the elimination of formal rites of passage has resulted in the loss of clear markers for life transitions and a weakening of social cohesion and community bonds.
By eliminating formal rites of passage, Western society has lost the opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility, maturity, and social integration in individuals. These rituals often involve teaching important cultural values, imparting specialized knowledge, and fostering a sense of belonging and identity within a community. Without these rituals, individuals may struggle to navigate the complexities of adulthood and may feel a lack of connection to their community.
However, Western society has also gained certain benefits from the elimination of formal rites of passage. With the breakdown of traditional social structures, individuals have gained more freedom and autonomy in determining their own paths and identities. This has allowed for greater diversity and individual expression. Additionally, the elimination of strict rites of passage has reduced the potential for exclusion, discrimination, and unequal treatment based on age, gender, or social status.