In many African societies young men are circumcised between the ages of 12 and 18 in a ceremonial fashion that marks their transition from one __________ to another.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "age-grade" refers to a social organization where people of similar ages are grouped together and share certain responsibilities or privileges. The circumcision ceremony in African societies is often seen as a rite of passage into a new age-grade or social status, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Therefore, option B, age-grade, is the best choice. Option A, age-group, could also be a plausible answer, but age-grade is a more specific term that accurately describes the cultural context of the circumcision ceremony. Option C, peer group, is not accurate because the age-grade system is not based solely on peers but rather on the shared experience of reaching a certain age. Option D, manhood, is too specific and does not capture the social organization aspect of the circumcision ceremony.

In Many African Societies Young Men Are Circumcised Between the Ages