The transition that is effected in a rite of passage is comparable to:​

A) ​social death and rebirth
B) ​marriage and union
C) ​sorcery and witchcraft
D) ​specialization

A rite of passage often involves leaving behind one's old identity or role, symbolizing a social death, and then being reborn into a new identity or role. This process can involve various rituals and symbolic actions, such as initiation ceremonies or vision quests, that are intended to help the person transition from one stage of life to another. Therefore, Option A is the best choice. Options B and C might be relevant to certain types of rites of passage in certain cultures, but they do not capture the general nature of a rite of passage as well as Option A. Option D is too vague and does not specifically relate to the transformational nature of a rite of passage.