Age-grade is a term that is commonly used in social anthropology and sociology to describe a system of social organization that is based on age. It is a concept that has been used by various cultures around the world and has been studied by scholars for many years. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of age-grade.
Definitions
Age-grade refers to a social group that is composed of individuals who are of the same age or who have undergone the same initiation rites. These groups are usually organized into hierarchical structures, with each level having its own set of responsibilities and privileges.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, age-grade is defined as “a group of persons of approximately the same age, especially one that has a common social or educational status.”
Origin
The concept of age-grade has been around for many centuries and has been used by various cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in Africa, where it was used by many tribes as a way of organizing their societies.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, age-grade is defined as “a social group composed of persons of approximately the same age and having a common status or function.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines age-grade as “a group of people of the same age who have a particular social or educational status.”
Associations
Age-grade is often associated with initiation rites, which are ceremonies that mark the transition from one age-grade to another. These rites are often seen as a way of passing on knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of age-grade include age-set, generation, cohort, and peer group.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of age-grade, but some related terms include cross-generational and intergenerational.
The same root words
The root words of age-grade are age and grade. Age refers to the length of time that a person has lived, while grade refers to a level of proficiency or achievement.
Example Sentences
- In many African societies, age-grade is an important aspect of social organization.
- The initiation rites that mark the transition from one age-grade to another are often elaborate and involve many different rituals.
- Age-grade is often used as a way of passing on knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next.
- The members of the age-grade were responsible for organizing the community’s festivals and ceremonies.
- The age-grade system can be seen as a way of promoting social cohesion and solidarity within a community.