LE3 .A278 2002

2002

Chegwidden, Paula

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Sociology

Sociology

This thesis explores the concept of rites of passage as it was developed in anthropology, in the exploration and study of magico/religious ceremonies of primitive societies. It argues that for the most part the topic of rites of passage has been neglected by modern sociology. Through examination of a modern ceremony, the ring ceremony at St. Francis Xavier University (St. FX), this paper argues that there are modem examples of rites of passage and that these ceremonies have a considerable impact on one's sense of self in terms of achieving identity and acquiring perspective. The study explores the St. FX ring ceremony from several angles. First it draws upon the experience of the researcher in a similar ceremony. Second, it uses observational research at a St. FX ring ceremony in December of 1997. Third, it uses a series of interviews with both participants of the St. FX ring ceremony and the university's administration, to gain an understanding of the ceremony, its purpose and its meaning for all involved. The study concludes that there are modem ceremonies that exhibit the components of rites of passage and that these ceremonies are useful in modem society in building both a sense of community and an individual's sense of self.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3934