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Coming of Age

Why do different cultures mark the advent of adulthood at different ages? For some it is celebrated by lavish parties, for others, by endurance tests and initiation ceremonies.

Why do different cultures have different coming of ages? For some the advent of adulthood is celebrated by lavish parties, for others, by endurance tests and initiation ceremonies. But they all share a commonality - the symbolic passing of childhood into the adult world which usually confers new rights: legal, political or religious.

But what really changes? And why is adolescence, for many, lasting longer than ever?

(Image: Mexican teenagers pose for photos following quinceanera, a coming of age party. Credit: John Moore/Getty Images)

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18 minutes

Last on

Mon 12 Nov 2012 11:32GMT

Also featuring in the programme:

Henrietta Moore, Professor of Anthropology at Cambridge University

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Thomas Hylland Erickson, Professor of Anthropology, Norway

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Broadcasts

  • Fri 9 Nov 2012 19:32GMT
  • Sat 10 Nov 2012 04:32GMT
  • Sun 11 Nov 2012 13:32GMT
  • Mon 12 Nov 2012 00:32GMT
  • Mon 12 Nov 2012 11:32GMT

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