Early childhood precursors of adolescent initiation ceremonies

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 8 • Published In • Pages: 132-145 •
By Barry III, Herbert, Schlegel, Alice

Abstract

This study presents a psychological theory for adolescent initiation ceremonies. Findings support the hypothesis that initiation is a mechanism for maintaining continuity between the stages of childhood and adulthood, when the body is physiologically in discontinuity.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researchers Own

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
Societies in which social solidarity (low emphasis on obedience and low frequency of teasing) and sex differentiation are present in early childhood will be associated with the occurrence of initiation ceremonies (136, 138).Partially supported
Societies in which the principal nonparental caretaker is an adult nonrelative and is predominantly the same sex as the child will be positvely associated with the occurrence of initiation ceremonies (138-139).Partially supported
Societies in which there is a large sex difference in the degree to which certain traits (obedience, industry, and responsibility) are emphasized in childhood will be positively associated with the occurrence of initiation ceremonies (139).Partially supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Jessie Cohen