ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on several examples of bodily transitions that occur over the life course. It discusses the role of social and cultural factors in shaping experiences of the bodily changes, alongside the identity processes involved with adjusting to these transitions. The chapter looks at ageing however, this bodily transition is progressive and cumulative – ultimately resulting in death of the human body. It examines transitions that are assumed to be universal, it is often the case that the nature and experience of the changes reflect the context in which they are taking place. The chapter presents the way that puberty and emerging adulthood is recognised and represented in different communities. Experiences of menarche have been subject to historical and societal shifts, because of rapid social changes such as increased access to information and improved education.
