Rites of Passage in Adolescent Development: A Reappreciation

This paper explores rites of passage as a way of understanding and working with adolescents in contemporary contexts. It raises questions about the insights and approaches that rites of passage may offer us in working with adolescents as they come of age and seek to be connected, to value, and to matter in their world: What do rites of passage suggest is critical in the formation of adults? What can we learn from rites of passage that would assist us to act as mentors and guides? What are some implications for our work with contemporary adolescents?