Rites of Passage

A rite of passage (n.d.), according to WorldNet, is a period in life in which a change occurs in ones status, there is also a demonstration or celebration in honor of a child transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. For many years different cultures in different countries around the world celebrate rites of passage through different traditional rituals and ceremonies. Such rituals and traditions include "debutante balls which are tradition in Western cultures and quinceañeras in Hispanic cultures which marks a girl's transition into womanhood" ("Rite of Passage," 2008). Jewish adolescents celebrate their rite of passage with a bar mitzvah (for boys) or a bat mitzvah (for girls).

In some cultures these rites of passage differ between adolescent girls and boys. For example in many Africa and Australia cultures boys may go through a rite of passage that involves circumcision which involves removing all or part of the foreskin from the penis as well (O'Neil, 2007). While girls experience a clitoridectomy or infibulation, a clitoridectomy involves cutting off all or part of the clitoris and occasionally the labia (O'Neil, 2007). Infibulation involves partially closing off the opening of the vagina by sewing, part of the vulva (O'Neil, 2007). Before an adolescent girl and boy goes through their rite of passage they must first overcome many obstacles in their life such as peer relations which include peer acceptance, peer groups, trust and friendship issues (Berk, 2010).

The strength and changeability of peer relations

Adolescents deal with many peer relations that can affect their overall relationships. This is due to adolescents forming peer groups in which there are popular children, rejected children, controversial children, and neglected children (Berk, 2010). These children are trying to find out where they belong it is at this time they discover if they are a leader or a follower.

How media messages and peers affect sexual orientation and development?

The media affects sexual orientation in many ways for example they constantly talk about sexuality to the point where adolescent boys and girls view it as being a part of everyday life. Therefore becoming sexual active becomes second nature, which is why it is important to teach adolescents about the risks involved in becoming sexual active.

Biological changes taking place during adolescence

The biological changes taking place during adolescence may include physical body changes as well as an increase in hormones which are all caused by emotional, social, and have a place (Berk, 2010). Adolescents tend to accept the thoughts and opinions of their peers. Both adolescent girls and boys feel the need to have a social life. They look to their peers for acceptance therefore they focus on social events