A Systematic Review of the Implications of Alternative Rites of Passage on Youth Transitions

Abstract

Alternative rites of passage (ARPs) have emerged as culturally sensitive strategies designed to replace harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation with positive, empowering experiences. ARPs aim to preserve cultural identity while promoting health, safety, and gender equality. Despite their growing popularity, there is limited understanding of the impacts of ARPs on different outcomes for the youth (10-18 years). This paper utilizes systematic review methodology to assess gaps in literature on Implications of Alternative Rites of Passage on Youth Transitions. A search from databases yielded 115 articles with only a sample of 11 meeting exclusion and inclusion criteria like article type (primary research article), publication language and peer-reviewed articles. Preliminary findings indicate majority of the studies (36.4%, n=4) focused on health-related outcomes, 27.3%, n=3 explore effect on abandonment of harmful practices, 18.2%, n=2 examined ARP adoption while research on ARP impacts on educational and religiosity remain limited at 9.1%, n=1 each. Most of the studies (35.7%) were conducted in Kenya, 21.4% in the United States, 14.3% in Ghana and 7.1% in Papua New Guinea.  Majority of the studies (54.5%) did not mention any theory while the remaining 45.5% were anchored in ecological framework (9.1%), Africentric theory (9.1%), life events theory (9.1%), Edwards Wilson’s theory of gender (9.1%), human rights approach (9.1%), ritual process paradigm (9.1%), and social cultural theory (9.1%). The most researched target population were girls (72.7%), mixed adolescent sample (54.6%), women (27.3%), and community stakeholders like teachers (36.4%). Overall, findings support the potential of culturally sensitive ARPs as effective, sustainable tools to promote health, deter the proliferation of harmful cultural practices, and promote education and religious participation. This is likely to contribute to development goals aimed at fostering healthier, more equitable societies. The reviewed studies lack a unified theoretical framework, limiting understanding of underlying mechanisms. Contextually, research is concentrated in Kenya and the US, with limited exploration of diverse cultural settings and religious influences, especially on education and religiosity. Methodologically, most studies focus on health outcomes, and few employ longitudinal or mixed-method approaches to assess long-term impacts. Empirically, there is a scarcity of data on effects of ARPs on educational attainment and religious participation, restricting comprehensive evaluation of their broader social implications. Addressing these gaps can enhance culturally tailored interventions and inform policy for sustainable youth development. Future research should further explore education and religious dimensions to strengthen intervention strategies, incorporate comprehensive contextually relevant theories, adopt mixed-method approaches to deepen insights, and expand research to include culturally diverse contexts.