In sociology and anthropology, an age grade or age class is a social category based on age, within a series of such categories, through which individuals pass over the course of their lives. This is in contrast to an age set, to which individuals remain permanently attached as the set itself becomes progressively more senior. Social interactions of people and their consequences are the subject of sociology studies. ... Anthropology (from the Greek word άνθÏωπος, human) consists of the study of humankind (see genus Homo). ... In anthropology, an age set is a social category or corporate social group, consisting of people of similar age, who have a common identity, maintain close ties over a prolonged period, and together pass through a series of age-related statuses. ...
In tribalsocieties entry into an age grade is often marked by an initiation rite. After a period of some years members may be initiated either collectively or individually into a more senior age grade. This progression is often accompanied by the revelation of secret knowledge. Most age grade systems, as with age sets, are the preserve of men, and it is the older men who control a society's secret knowledge. Viewed historically or developmentally, a tribe consists of a social formation existing before the development of, or outside of, states. ... ... Initiation rites are formalized, ceremonial rites of passage as an individual moves from stage to stage within a social career or formally acquires such status. ...
In sociology and anthropology, an agegrade or age class is a social category based on age, within a series of such categories, through which individuals pass over the course of their lives.
In tribal societies entry into an agegrade -generally gender-separated- is often marked by an initiation rite, which may be the crowning of a long and complex preparation, sometimes in retreat.
In most cultures, agegrade systems, as with age sets, are the preserve of men, and it is the older men who control a society's secret knowledge, collectively or restricted to a council of elders and/or specific positions such as shaman entrusted with the preparation of initiants.
AGEGRADE AND AGE SET [agegrade and age set] differentiation of social role based on age, commonly found in small-scale societies of North America and East Africa.
Age sets are a type of sodality (nonresidential groups that cut across kinship ties and thus promote broader social solidarity) of young men who usually cooperate in secret ritual or craft performances together; individuals generally remain closely associated with their age set throughout their life.
Agegrades may be marked by changes in biological state, such as puberty, or by socially recognized status changes such as marriage and the birth of a child.
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