Final answer:
Arnold Van Gennep identified three stages in Rites of Passage: separation, liminality (or transition), and incorporation, which are present in cultural ceremonies worldwide to signify a person's transition to a new social status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arnold Van Gennep, an anthropologist, detailed the three stages of Rites of Passage which are significant for marking transitions in a person's life within their community. These stages are separation, liminality (also referred to as transition), and incorporation.
In the first stage, separation, the individual is physically or symbolically detached from their former role or status within their community. This prepares them for the transition to the next stage of life. During the liminality or transition phase, there is a period of ambiguity where individuals often face tests or trials, and receive instruction to prepare for a new social role. Lastly, in the incorporation stage, the individual is reintroduced to their community with their new status, now assuming the associated rights and responsibilities.
These stages are observed in cultural practices around the world, including ceremonies for birth, puberty, marriage, and death. Specific examples like the Xhosa community's initiation into manhood illustrate these stages vividly. From circumcision to isolation and finally reintegration as recognized adults, the process symbolizes a complete transformation of status.