School and University Customs Linked to Starting Learning at Subsequent Stages of Education. Students’ Thoughts in The Light of the Theory of Rites of Passage

Journal Title: Theory and Practice of Social Systems Management - Year 2017, Vol 3, Issue 2

Abstract

In the paper which engages students’ thoughts on customs linked to learning at subsequent stages of education, I present the thesis that rites of passage accompany children and teenagers in crossing educational thresholds and that it is worth studying school culture from this perspective. The research I conducted shows that most students have come across initiation customs for newcomers to school and university communities. In their narrative stories, students paint a very vivid picture of junior high schools putting neophytes to painful tests (informally known as “hazing”), and secondary schools welcoming freshmen in a joyful and playful atmosphere. The majority of research participants are disappointed with how initiation is carried out, as they find formal ceremonies at the university and informal parties insufficient to meet desired ends. In the conclusion, I pose the question of how a formal rite of passage consciously practiced (as far as its structure, process and function are concerned) by educational institutions could contribute to changes in the culture of schools, especially junior high schools.

Authors and Affiliations

Sylwia JASKULSKA

Keywords

Related Articles

The Rise and Activity of the Local Polish Administration of the Słupsk District in the Years 1945–1949

One of the most important issues in 1945 was the granting of Poland to the temporary administration of German territories on the east side of the Odra River. Part of the recovered territories among which is also the Słup...

The Role of Youth Value Orientations in the Choice of Professional Activity

The article raises the problem of the role of value orientations of young people in the choice of a professional activity. Important theoretical and practical problems of social, psychological and pedagogical character c...

Level of Occupational Stress among Women Working for the Probation Court Service

The article describes selected contexts of social and psychological functioning of women working as probation officers. It touches the issue of work safety and the relationship between work environment and occupational s...

The Structure of Income of Local Government Units and the Implementation of the Principle of Financial Independence

Territorial government perform specific public tasks. In order to implement them they were equipped with financial resources. The Constitution indicates that the local self-government units’ sources of income are their o...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP332573
  • DOI -
  • Views 161
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Sylwia JASKULSKA (2017). School and University Customs Linked to Starting Learning at Subsequent Stages of Education. Students’ Thoughts in The Light of the Theory of Rites of Passage. Theory and Practice of Social Systems Management, 3(2), 81-99. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-332573