Final answer:
The rite of passage, such as a vision quest, marks an individual's transition within a community through stages of separation, liminality, and incorporation, and involves guidance and instruction preparing them for a new social role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rite of passage known as the vision quest typically plays a crucial role in marking the transition of an individual from one stage of life to another within their community. Arnold van Gennep, an anthropologist who first identified rites of passage in 1909, noted that such ceremonies often comprise three stages: separation, liminality (transition), and incorporation. During the separation phase, individuals are removed from their usual social context. The liminality phase is characterized by ambiguity, instruction, and preparation for new social roles, and often involves a designated mentor or guide. Finally, the incorporation stage marks the return to society with a newly recognized status. Throughout these stages, the individual may face trials or engage in symbolic activities to prepare them for their next social role. For example, in some African societies, initiation rituals signify the transition to adulthood with activities such as living in seclusion, body alterations like tattooing, and receiving essential knowledge. Upon completion, they are formally reintroduced to their community with their new status.