Introduction
When we think about the legal age of adulthood, 18 is the number that comes to mind for many of us. Turning 18 marks an important milestone in a young person’s life, as they gain new legal rights and responsibilities. But have you ever wondered why 18 is the magic number? In this article, we’ll explore the history, science, culture, and legal implications that inform the age of adulthood. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of why 18 is the age of adulthood, and whether it’s an appropriate benchmark for young people.
History of the Legal Age of Adulthood
The age of adulthood has varied throughout history and across different cultures. In ancient Rome, for example, boys became adults at age 14, while girls became adults at age 12. In medieval Europe, the age of majority was usually 21 for men and 14 for women. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many countries set the age of adulthood at 21. It wasn’t until after World War II that 18 became the internationally recognized age of adulthood.
In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, in response to the Vietnam War and the draft. This change had a ripple effect, as other countries followed suit and lowered their legal age of adulthood to 18.
Scientific Research on Brain Development
One key factor in determining the age of adulthood is brain development. Studies show that the human brain continues to develop well into the 20s, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which governs higher-level reasoning and decision-making.
However, it’s not clear that brain development should be the sole determinant of the age of adulthood. After all, there’s no single point in time when the brain fully matures. Moreover, some people reach maturity earlier or later than others, and different parts of the brain develop at different rates.
Social and Cultural Context
The age of adulthood has cultural significance as well. In many societies, turning 18 is seen as a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. Young adults may celebrate with parties, ceremonies, or special gifts. In the United States, turning 18 comes with certain expectations, such as registering for the military draft or applying for a driver’s license.
Of course, cultural expectations of young adults have varied over time and across cultures. In some societies, young people are expected to take on adult responsibilities at a much earlier age. In others, young people may have fewer responsibilities and more time to explore and discover their identity.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
The legal age of adulthood is tied to many rights and responsibilities. In the United States, for example, turning 18 allows you to vote, buy cigarettes, and apply for credit. It also means you can be tried as an adult in the criminal justice system, join the military, and get married without parental consent (in most states).
Some activities, like drinking alcohol and renting a car, are tied to a higher age, due to safety concerns. Other activities, like running for public office or owning a gun, have higher age requirements due to legal restrictions.
Critiques of the Age of Adulthood
Despite its widespread acceptance, the age of adulthood is not without its critics. Some argue that young people are given too much responsibility too soon, and that they need more guidance and support during the transition to adulthood. Others argue that the age of adulthood is arbitrary and outdated, and that young people should be gradually given more rights and responsibilities as they demonstrate readiness.
One alternative approach to the age of adulthood is called “emerging adulthood,” which recognizes that many young people don’t fully mature until their mid- to late-20s. This approach suggests that young people should be given more time to explore and experiment, rather than being expected to settle into adult roles too soon.
Conclusion
The age of adulthood is a complex issue that touches on many aspects of our lives. While 18 may seem like a natural and convenient benchmark, it’s clear that the age of adulthood has varied throughout history and across different cultures. Brain development is one factor to consider, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Ultimately, the age of adulthood is a social construct that reflects our values and priorities as a society. By exploring different angles of the issue, we can better understand why 18 is the legal age of adulthood and consider whether it’s time for a change.