Watching (for Rites)

What have I noticed as I have watched the world? I think the popular term now is ‘extended adolescence.’ Typically, it refers to men who are still acting like teenagers, whether that be in their approach to life, or still living at home in their 20’s-30’s (with the economy not being the primary reason), or putting off adult responsibilities as long as possible.

Somehow, nothing has TOLD these males to step up and ‘be mature.’ There was no clearly marked official transition. First they were that, and now they have become this. Society at large appears to be SURPRISED this is an issue. Suggesting…something used to be in place that made the transformation.

The rite of passage. I spent some time trying to find other ways to phrase this idea. Coming of age. Initiation. Manhood ceremony. A formalized process for boys to become men. A process that is missing from today’s fast-paced, technological world.

I know that despite all the academic resources and social commentary I can fill this project with…ultimately I know I am studying this topic because I, too, feel I never had my rite. I THINK and BELIEVE I am a full man…but there was never an official recognition (aside from tax season suddenly applying to me). That is why I care about this topic, and am excited to research.

However, this project also needs to applicable to the school age student. As I am completely new to the school library media world and the educational system in general, I had to pour over the academic standards given in class. Indiana is what I am familiar with, so those are the standards I chose.

So, how could I classify ‘rites of passage?’ Using the Indiana government website, the education standards as of September 2011 are found at http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/PrintLibrary/ILS_Correlations.shtml.

Looking under the Social Studies standard, I found several possibilities. As I inferred, this falls heavily under sociology. It also boarders on psychology. History would apply for researching rites throughout the centuries, being applicable to sixth and seventh grades for Indiana standards. I liked finding that, because I believe having a rite process underway is very important when the teen years begin.

Specific sociology standards this could fall under:

S.1.8 Identify, evaluate, and use appropriate reference materials and technology to interpret information about cultural life in the United States and other world cultures, both in the past and today. (Geography; History)

S.2.7 Explain how various practices of the culture create differences within group behavior.

S.2.11 Identify both rights and responsibilities the individual has to the group. (Civics and Government)

S.3.2 Explain how roles and role expectations can lead to role conflict. (History) Examples: Roles of men and women; age; racial and/or ethnic groups within different societies.

S.4.3 Examine the ways that groups function, such as roles, interactions, leadership.

{{{{{{S.5.4 Discuss how societies recognize rites of passage.

Examples: Baptism or other religious ceremonies, school prom, graduation, marriage, and retirement.}}}}}}

S.5.7 Interpret the factors that influence change in social norms over time. (History)

S.8.1 Describe traditions, roles, and expectations necessary for a community to continue.

S.8.10 Identify a community social problem, and discuss appropriate actions to address the problem. (Economics)

So, time for potential research questions:

What are some of the most unique rites of passage throughout history?

Why have the rites fallen out of fashion?

Are they any rites still in place today, anywhere in the world?

How would a modern, 21st Century Western rite be created?

IS a rite an effective answer to extended adolescence?

Do teenagers of today think a rite is necessary? Or cool?

Perhaps as a sub-topic, what are the rites for women?

So many possibilities, and I am excited about pursuing any one of those questions!