The Legal and Societal Perception of 18-20-Year-Olds: Why They Are Not Seen as Adults
The legal age of adulthood in the United States is 18, and 20-year-olds are officially considered adults in most jurisdictions. However, there is a growing debate and recognition that 18-20-year-olds are not fully integrated into adult society, and continue to be treated as minors in various aspects.
Legal Perspective
Legal Age and Rights: The legal age is a significant factor in determining rights and responsibilities. In the U.S., 18-year-olds can vote, enter into contracts, and be tried as adults in court for most offenses. However, when it comes to legal age limits for alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and gambling, 18-20-year-olds may still be seen as minors.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana: Federal laws and most state laws prohibit those under 21 from purchasing, selling, or possessing alcohol and tobacco. Similarly, many states have recreational marijuana laws that limit usage to those 21 and older. This means that even though 18-20-year-olds are legally adults, societal and legal restrictions often consider them minors in these contexts.
Gambling: In states where gambling is legal, most have age restrictions, typically setting the legal age to 21. Therefore, 18-20-year-olds can legally work in venues such as casinos but cannot themselves gamble, further highlighting their status as "minors" in this context.
Societal Perception
Developmental Maturity: Psychologically and developmentally, 18-20-year-olds are often considered to be in late adolescence rather than adults. Their life experiences and decision-making abilities are often not aligned with those of adults.
Much like Matthew Norville suggests in his article, there is a distinct transition period. The Bible also mentions 20 as the age for adulthood in terms of military service and certain societal roles, but these cultural and religious norms do not align with modern legal and societal understandings.
Military Service: In biblical contexts, 20 was the age for military service. Today, the age to enlist in the U.S. military is 18, though 19-year-olds often enlist. The transition to adulthood, including military service, can be seen as a significant event that marks the onset of true adulthood.
Challenges and Recognition
Changing Perspectives: There is a growing recognition that the transition to adulthood is more complex and gradual than it used to be. Many experts argue that the legal age of adulthood does not fully capture the developmental and social aspects of becoming an adult. This is particularly evident in how society treats 18-20-year-olds.
Many young people in this age group may struggle with financial independence, job preferences, and personal responsibilities. Societal norms often still view 18-20-year-olds as "kids" rather than full-fledged adults. This can lead to challenges in finding full-time employment, pursuing higher education, or being taken seriously in various adult roles.
Conclusion
The legal and societal perception of 18-20-year-olds as neither fully minors nor full adults has significant implications. While they may have the legal rights and responsibilities of adults in some contexts, they are often still treated as not quite ready for the adult world in others. This is primarily due to their developmental immaturity and the complex nature of the transition to adulthood.
The discussion around legal age and adulthood reveals a nuanced understanding that has evolved over time. As society continues to change, so too will the definitions and perceptions of adulthood.