When Does A Person Become An Adult?

Summary

In this engaging video, Dale explores the complex question of when a person becomes an adult, examining various perspectives including legal, biological, psychological, and cultural definitions. He discusses the lack of universal standards across countries regarding legal adulthood, highlighting significant variations in laws governing rights like voting and drinking. The video also addresses historical views on responsibility and the age of understanding, the biological onset of adulthood marked by puberty, and the psychological aspect of brain development, which may extend into the mid-20s. Cultural rites of passage further illustrate diverse interpretations of adulthood, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Becoming an adult is a significant milestone that represents freedom and self-identity.
• 📅 The legal age of adulthood varies by country, with common ages being 18 or 21 for rights like voting and drinking.
• 🌍 Laws regarding adulthood differ globally, highlighting the complexity of defining adulthood based solely on legal standards.
• ⚖️ Historically, the 'age of understanding' was considered to be around seven, with implications for responsibility and punishment.
• 👶 Individuals under 18 can be tried as adults in severe cases, indicating societal beliefs about maturity and responsibility.
• 🧬 Biologically, the ability to reproduce is often used as a benchmark for adulthood, starting around puberty (ages 10-15).
• 🧠 Psychologists suggest that cognitive maturity, particularly in judgment and reasoning, typically develops by ages 25-30.
• 🎉 Different cultures have unique celebrations and rites of passage to mark the transition into adulthood, such as bar mitzvahs and Coming of Age Day.
• 🐜 Some cultures impose challenging tests for young males to prove their maturity, such as enduring painful experiences.
• 🔍 The journey to adulthood encompasses legal, biological, psychological, and cultural perspectives, indicating there is no single universal definition.

Q & A

What does Dale identify as the primary aspect of becoming an adult?

Dale discusses various perspectives on adulthood, including legal definitions, responsibilities, biological maturity, psychological development, and cultural practices.

At what age is a person typically considered an adult legally in most countries?

The age of majority is commonly 18 or 21, but this can vary significantly between countries.

What are some rights associated with adulthood mentioned in the video?

Rights associated with adulthood include the right to vote, drink alcohol, consent to sexual activities, and drive.

How does the legal age for drinking alcohol differ around the world?

Most countries set the legal drinking age at 18, but in the U.S. it is 21, while in Germany, it can be as low as 14 with parental consent.

What historical perspective on responsibility does Dale mention?

Historically, the age of understanding was considered to be around 7 years old, meaning children could be held accountable for adult-like punishments.

Why might a 12-year-old be tried as an adult in some cases?

If a child commits a serious crime, they can be tried as an adult if the legal system determines they possess the understanding and maturity to face adult consequences.

What is the biological definition of adulthood according to the video?

Biologically, adulthood is often linked to the ability to reproduce, which generally begins during puberty, around ages 10-15.

What age do many psychologists believe a person fully matures cognitively?

Psychologists suggest that cognitive maturity typically occurs between the ages of 25 and 30, as this is when the brain is fully developed.

What are some cultural practices related to coming of age mentioned in the video?

Cultural practices include the Jewish Bar Mitzvah at age 13 and Japan's Coming of Age Day at age 20, among other rites of passage celebrated globally.

What controversial rite of passage does Dale describe in relation to the Sedari culture in Brazil?

Dale describes a tradition where boys at age 13 must endure a painful test involving bullet ants to prove their endurance and manhood.