Research At Least Two Countries That Show The Most Common In
Research At Least Two Countries That Show The Most Common Indicators O
Research at least two countries that show the most common indicators of adulthood as well as rituals or rites of passage. Discuss how this compares to the United States. Discuss common indicators of American adolescents to adulthood. Important guidelines to follow: Write at least a 300-word, well-developed and well-written response. Specifications Cite your sources in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
Adulthood is marked by various indicators and rites of passage that differ across cultures and societies. To understand these cultural variations, it is essential to examine at least two countries that exemplify common indicators of adulthood and their associated rituals, and then compare these with the United States. This comparison reveals valuable insights into how different societies conceptualize and celebrate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
In Japan, adulthood is traditionally marked by the Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), celebrated annually on the second Monday of January (Kawano & Mifune, 2019). The day honors young people reaching age 20, the age of legal adulthood in Japan. The rituals include young men and women dressing in elaborate kimonos or suits, participating in ceremonies, and gaining societal recognition of their new legal rights and responsibilities, such as voting and drinking alcohol. These rites of passage symbolize societal acknowledgment of their readiness to assume adult roles.
Similarly, in Mexico, the Quinceañera is a significant rite of passage for girls, celebrated when they turn 15 (García, 2020). This celebration marks the transition from childhood to womanhood, often involving elaborate festivities, religious ceremonies, and symbolic rituals like the changing of shoes and the presentation of a tiara. It emphasizes family and community recognition of the individual's new social status and maturity.
In contrast, the United States lacks a uniform national rite of passage for adulthood; instead, indicators are often more individualistic and varied. Common markers include completing high school, obtaining a driver's license, starting full-time employment, or financial independence (Arnett, 2000). Legal adulthood is typically recognized at age 18, with the right to vote and other responsibilities, but societal recognition often depends on contextual milestones such as finishing education or starting a career.
While Japanese and Mexican cultures emphasize collective societal rituals to mark adulthood, American markers tend to be more individual achievements emphasizing independence and personal responsibility. Nevertheless, some contemporary American adolescents participate in rites such as graduation ceremonies, obtaining driver’s licenses, or entering the workforce, which symbolize their transition. These indicators reflect the societal value placed on individual achievement and autonomy, contrasting with the collective and ceremonial approaches seen in Japan and Mexico (Berk, 2018).
In conclusion, rituals and indicators of adulthood vary across cultures, aligning with differing cultural values. Japan and Mexico exemplify collective rites of passage emphasizing community recognition and societal responsibilities. The United States relies more on individual achievements, reflecting its cultural emphasis on independence and self-sufficiency. Understanding these differences enriches our appreciation of how cultural context influences the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
References
Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.
García, M. (2020). Quinceañera celebrations in Mexico: Cultural significance and contemporary trends. Journal of Latin American Cultural Studies, 28(4), 345-359.
Kawano, S., & Mifune, N. (2019). Coming of age in Japan: Cultural practices and societal expectations. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 22(3), 251-261.
Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.