Which term refers to a significant transition from one social status to another?

The term "rites of passage" specifically refers to significant transitions in social status or life stages that individuals undergo within a cultural framework. These transitions often mark important events such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death, which are recognized and celebrated by the community. Such rituals are deeply rooted in cultural practices and serve to acknowledge the changes in an individual's identity and social role.

By utilizing structured ceremonies or rituals, rites of passage help individuals navigate the complexities associated with these transitions, providing a sense of continuity and connection to their cultural heritage. This term encapsulates both the process of transition and the communal recognition of that change, distinguishing it from more general concepts like "rite," "culture," or "customs." Each of these other terms refers to different aspects of social practices or collective behaviors but does not specifically denote the process of transitioning from one social status to another in the way that "rites of passage" does.