Body Modification and Contemporary American Rites of Passage INTRODUCTION Rites of Passage The term "Rite of Passage" describes any rite or ritual which marks or induces a change in an individuals social position. ... In most pre-industrial societies these rituals are the keys to determining the social hierarchy of the community. ... Because contemporary rites of passage have become extremely personalized, there really can be no culturally universal rites of passage. ... In today's society body modification also plays a part in the rites of passage created by certain individuals. .....

• Word Count: 3564
• Approx Pages: 14
• Grade Level: High School

1. Sociology: the study of human behavior in society 2. Conflict Theory: emphasizes the role of coercion and power, a person's or groups ability to exercise influence and control over others, in producing social order (Karl Marx) where fragmented groups compete for social and economic resources/domination/inequality (strife and friction) 3. Controlled experiment: 4. scientific method: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem; collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and tes...

• Word Count: 3175
• Approx Pages: 13