Arnold von Generrath

Arnold von Gennep was a French ethnographer and folklorist best known for his work on rites of passage. Born in 1873, he studied how societies mark significant life transitions, such as birth, marriage, and death. His seminal book, "Rites of Passage," outlines a three-phase process—separation, transition, and incorporation—that individuals undergo during these crucial moments. Von Gennep's theories have influenced anthropology, sociology, and other disciplines by helping scholars understand cultural rituals and their meanings, highlighting the importance of communal practices in shaping personal and social identity. He passed away in 1957.