Join Jeffrey Arnett, a senior research scholar, and Trevor Noah, the witty comedian, as they dissect the puzzling transition to adulthood. They question why we're deemed mature at 18 and debate if 16-year-olds should vote. Grace Icenogle highlights the rising trend of young adults bringing parents to job interviews, while Julie Beck examines how societal milestones are shifting. With insights from neuroscience and cultural perspectives, they explore how modern pressures delay the journey into adulthood, leaving listeners pondering their own paths.
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Quick takeaways
The traditional age of 18 for adulthood is questioned as current research indicates that emotional and social maturity may develop later.
The absence of a universal rite of passage in American culture contrasts with other societies, suggesting a need for clearer markers of adulthood.
Deep dives
The Question of Adulthood
The concept of adulthood is explored, focusing on the societal decision to define adulthood at the age of 18. This age, often associated with voting and other rights, raises questions regarding its relevance in light of current understanding of brain development. The discussion highlights how traditionally defined adulthood intertwines with childhood experiences, prompting reflections on personal milestones that suggest readiness for adult responsibilities. Notably, individuals reflect on their early experiences, such as handling household chores and moving out, as transformative moments signaling their transition into adulthood.
Historical Context of Age Definitions
The historical evolution of adulthood is examined, noting how the age of majority has shifted over time based on various factors. Initially set at 15 during Roman times, the definition of adulthood had fluctuated, influenced significantly by the needs of warfare and societal structures. For instance, the legal age for military service was once 21 before World War II saw a push to lower it to 18 due to recruitment needs. This transformation led to intertwined societal rights, suggesting that if individuals are deemed capable of fighting in wars, they should also be allowed to participate in democratic processes.
Adolescence and Legal Definitions
The distinction between being categorized as a minor and achieving legal adulthood is discussed, with emphasis on the legal age of various activities, including drinking and voting. The conversation touches on ideas proposed by psychologists about the developmental capacities of adolescents, suggesting that logical reasoning skills may develop earlier than previously acknowledged. This leads to a contemplation of when individuals are truly ready to assume adult roles versus when arbitrary age limits are set by society for legal purposes. It highlights that while there are physiological markers of maturity, the emotional and social competencies required for adulthood may take much longer to develop.
Cultural Rites of Passage
The absence of a universal rite of passage into adulthood in American culture is highlighted, contrasting it with practices in other societies that mark this transition distinctly. Examples like bar mitzvahs and quinceañeras serve as clear societal markers that celebrate the shift into adulthood, while in the U.S., these transitions are often less defined. The notion is posed that a structured, social ritual could help clarify the responsibilities that come with adulthood, potentially allowing for more defined stages of maturity. This gap indicates a need for cultural acknowledgment of adulthood as a developmental journey rather than a singular age-based milestone.
Who decided that we’re fully mature at 18? Should 16-year-olds have the right to vote? And why are young people bringing their parents to job interviews?
SOURCES:
Jeffrey Arnett, senior research scholar in psychology at Clark University.