The Evolution of Adulthood: How Society's Perception of Young Adults Has Changed

Over the past century, particularly in the United States, the definition of adulthood has undergone a significant transformation. Rather than being marked by a clear, traditional understanding, the concept of adulthood has become increasingly muddled. This article explores how the rise of the teenager as a distinct category, coupled with changing societal attitudes, has influenced our perception of young adulthood.

The Invention of the Teenager

The modern notion of a 'teenager' is relatively recent. Before the 20th century, the term did not even exist in the lexicon. This shift in terminology, alongside the redefinition of the age at which young people gain certain rights, marks a significant departure from historical practices.

Notably, the age at which one was considered an adult and granted certain rights has been pushed further and further into the later stages of adolescence. From the typical age of 16-18, we now see some people considering individuals under 25 as 'kids.' This change has been driven by a combination of social, cultural, and economic factors.

The Teenager Phenomenon

The rise of 'teeny-boppers' and the final installment of 'teenagers' in the 1940s and 1950s marked the beginning of this distinct identity. The creation of these categories was not merely for convenience; it served a specific purpose in society. This new categorization severed the distinction between adolescence and adulthood, placing young people in a liminal space.

Historically, children and young adults were recognized as distinct but not entirely separate stages. Prior to the 20th century, young adults were still seen by many as less mature and less capable of handling adult responsibilities. The introduction of the teenager concept shifted this perspective, placing young people in an inbetween stage of life where their rights and responsibilities were more limited.

Education and Society’s Views on Youth

The late 19th and 20th centuries witnessed the rise of the youth culture, which further separated adolescence from adulthood. With the introduction of compulsory schooling, the age of required education was raised to 18, creating a new barrier between child and adult. Education became a one-size-fits-all model, standardized and centralized, rather than a flexible, personalized process.

As a result, young adults entered into adulthood with a different set of skills and experiences than their predecessors. The rigid educational system and the emphasis on protection and control over youth have profoundly affected how we view young adults today.

The Need for Change

The current system of treating young adults as children until the age of 18 is deeply flawed. This has led to a cycle where young people are seen as incapable and in need of protection, which reinforces their infantilized behavior. This approach is not only outdated but also counterproductive.

For centuries, young people have been capable of handling adult responsibilities, albeit with the guidance of elders, parents, and communities. The modern approach of infantilizing young adults until they turn 18 is a recent invention and has led to a wide range of issues, including confusion about rights and responsibilities.

A Call for Reform

Reforming the current system would require a gradual, mindful approach. Instead of suddenly uprooting everything, a phased approach could help ease the transition. Young people need to be taught how to handle adult responsibilities when they are biologically and developmentally capable of doing so. This would reduce frustration and anger, often referred to as 'teen angst.'

Calling time on the term 'teenager' and acknowledging that individuals aged 13-19 are emerging young adults would be a significant step forward. The government should play a minimal role in personal affairs and instead allow young adults to make decisions about their lives, within certain legal guidelines. The age at which basic rights are granted should be 16, with special exceptions for those under 16 in certain situations.

Change is necessary, but it should be gradual and thoughtful to avoid chaos. Without these reforms, the conflict between the perception of young adults as children and their desires to assert their independence will persist.

Conclusion: The evolution of adulthood is a complex issue that reflects broader societal attitudes. By acknowledging the historical context and the need for reform, we can work towards a more balanced and equitable system for young adults.