The transition to adulthood varies from one culture to another. Although there are similarities in the intentions of facilitating this change, various rites of passage mark the importance of the practice. In most setups, transitioning to adulthood is associated with the development experienced in the adolescence age. In this regard, this paper evaluates the transition to maturity by examining different rites of passage, concepts of pluralism and assimilation, and relationship attractions.
Within most ethnic setups, the rites of passage differ between boys and girls regarding the activities and the procedures undertaken. Indeed, the rites of passage are marked in different ways including the indication of coming to age and the religious adulthood inclination. Unitarian Universalism, for instance, is a program that helps children transition to adult life by shifting them from younger religious education programs into youth groups and the regional young religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) (Hewett, Douglas, & Keil, 2016). Unitarian Universalists entities hold coming of age retreats that supplement congregational coming of age programs. The youths are typically 12 years old when they are paired with adult mentors who support their spiritual and social growth. Notably, this is done through discussions, listening to guest speakers, and participating in retreats and workshops.
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Circumcision is a common practice among various ethnicities that marks the growth of a person from childhood to adulthood. Specifically, male circumcision refers to the removal of foreskin in human penis. Circumcision has been intertwined with religion since the formation of the early church. Today, many anthropological cultures associate circumcision with the growth to adulthood. Although women are circumcised as well, there have been profound campaigns to end the practice due to the health hazards associated with female circumcision. However, regarding the transitioning to adulthood through circumcision, participants are secluded from the public to undergo informal classes on how to develop into men of honor in the community. Nonetheless, some cultures circumcise children shortly after birth, which does not necessarily indicate a transition to adulthood.
Pluralism and assimilation have significantly affected cultural perceptions on the rites of passage. While pluralism affirms the existence of diversity within cultures, assimilation indicates the need for unity in the processes that define the elements of a particular culture. Assimilation works for rites of passage, especially where intermarriages happen within society. Pluralism, on the other hand, implies that diverse cultural orientations should be preserved ( Gleason, 1984 ). However, there exists confrontations, especially where peers may undermine others of a given culture because of their differences in exemplifying the rites of passage. In American ethnic affairs, pluralism and assimilation have been a focal point of reference. Assimilation has, however, suppressed the likelihood of intergroup conflicts, especially on issues regarding the rites of passage.
Building cordial relationships is an inherent feature in transitioning to adulthood. There are various relationship attachment styles that a person can adopt during the transition: Secure, Anxious-Preoccupied, Dismissive-Avoidant, and Fearful-Avoidant (A sexual Visibility and Education Network, 2018). However, I feel that the secure attachment style is the best in nurturing relationships when a person is developing into adulthood, especially past the age of 18. During this time, one possesses high emotional intelligence, which helps them convey emotions constructively. Additionally, one can develop a sense of security when alone or when with a companion. In addition, one is likely to handle interpersonal difficulties amicably other than fostering attacks on their partners. The style also enable one to develop resilience during challenging times where persons can grieve, learn, and move on with life.
Transition to adulthood is characterized by different types of attractions. Attractions can be sexual, romantic, sensual, emotional, or aesthetic (Lambert & Hopwood, 2016). While sexual and romantic attractions are mainly projected toward fulfilling a sexual desire developing in a person, emotional attractions create more intense feelings towards a person. Aesthetic attractions are directed more on the appreciation of someone’s stature. I would propose emotional attraction as being essential for long-lasting relationships since it triggers a feeling of happiness on being with someone. Indeed, emotional attraction, if mutually expressed, breeds long-lasting love affairs.
References
A sexual Visibility and Education Network. (2018). The Different Types of Attractions. Retrieved from https://www.asexuality.org/en/topic/82962-the-different-types-of-attractions/
Gleason, P. (1984). Pluralism and assimilation: a conceptual history. Linguistic Minorities, Policies and Pluralism, 221-257. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-232760-5.50015-7
Hewett, R., Douglas, G., & Keil, S. (2016). Transition to adulthood. Final summary report for project “Longitudinal study of transitions experiences of blind and partially sighted young people (Phase 2)”. VICTAR, University of Birmingham report for the Nuffield Foundation.
Lambert, J. C., & Hopwood, C. J. (2016). Sex differences in interpersonal sensitivities across acquaintances, friends, and romantic relationships. Personality and Individual Differences, 89, 162-165.
