Arnold von Gennep

Arnold von Gennep was a French anthropologist and folklorist known for his work on rites of passage—ceremonies that mark important life transitions, such as birth, marriage, or death. He introduced the idea that these rituals involve three stages: separation from the old status, a liminal or transitional period, and incorporation into the new role. His framework helps us understand how societies manage change and reinforce social norms through ritualized processes. Von Gennep’s insights remain influential in anthropology, sociology, and related fields for analyzing cultural practices around life changes.