Indonesian Journal of Pedagogical and Social Studies
Vol 5, No 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Pedagogical and Social Studies

Ritual Wisuda: Liminalitas, Komodifikasi dan Ambivalensi Makna

St. Junaeda (Universitas Negeri Makassar)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

Abstract. This article examines graduation rituals in the context of modern society by highlighting three key aspects: liminality, commodification, and the ambivalence of meaning. Using a cultural anthropology approach, data were obtained through interviews and observations to understand how graduation is interpreted by social actors. The results show that graduation not only functions as a rite of passage marking the change in status from student to graduate, but also as a liminal space that enables the transformation of social identity. However, in practice, this ritual is commodified through the involvement of various forms of consumption such as photography services, dress rentals, makeup, and celebrations, which expand the meaning of graduation into the realm of social representation. This situation gives rise to an ambivalence of meaning, where graduation is understood simultaneously as an academic achievement and as a performative arena for displaying social status. Thus, graduation rituals reflect the cultural dynamics of modern society, characterized by negotiations of meaning between academic values, consumption practices, and the construction of social identity. Keywords: Gradiation Ritual, Liminality, Commodification, Ambivalence of Meaning

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijpss

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

This Journal publishes research studies employing a variety of qualitative and/or quantitative methods and approaches in the field of pedagogical and Social Sciences. The journal covered by all topics in: Humanities Social studies Management Education, Teaching Learning And others (within the scope ...