"We're dirty sons of bitches": residence rites of passage at a small maritime university

McDavid, Sara Jodi (2002) "We're dirty sons of bitches": residence rites of passage at a small maritime university. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (28MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

Drawing on recent folklore studies on contemporary rites of passage, this thesis examines the customs and rituals of a formerly all male university residence at a small university in Atlantic Canada. Factors including the recent addition of women to the residence and the increased role of the university administration in orientation events are examined. Based on interviews and participant observation the author examines orientation or "frosh" week activities and an annual celebration at the end of the academic year, using the paradigm set up by van Gennep of separation, transition and incorporation. The transitional stage is an integral learning stage in which the first year students are exposed to student culture, and are taught the correct behaviour for their new roles through festival, song, foodways, costume, and legend. The author proposes that elements of the transitional stage last throughout the year, and therefore suggests that residence life is an "ongoing rite of passage."

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