Are we mature by 18? - CrowdScience podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

This video explores the concept of maturity from both cultural and scientific perspectives. It contrasts the Aka people's belief in individual autonomy, where children are respected as independent beings from a young age, with more conventional Western views that tie maturity to legal milestones like age 18. Neuroscientist Sarah Jane Blakemore discusses how the brain is highly adaptable during childhood and adolescence, shaped by both environmental influences and pressures. The video suggests that maturity should be more personalized, reflecting individual development, though practical challenges exist in applying this concept to societal systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Aka society emphasizes individual autonomy, where people, especially girls, have control over major life decisions like building their hut or choosing intimate relationships.
• 😀 Children in the Aka society are raised with a high level of independence, learning survival skills such as hunting, cooking, and creating medicines from a very young age.
• 😀 Aka children are seen as independent individuals from birth, and their autonomy is respected by their parents, who allow them to play with tools like machetes and interact with fire.
• 😀 In the Aka society, a girl can decide not to start building her hut after her first period, indicating that major life transitions are up to the individual, rather than being predetermined by cultural norms.
• 😀 The concept of maturity is culturally defined, with the Aka people seeing personal growth and identity development as a lifelong process shaped by individual choices, not fixed by age-based milestones.
• 😀 In many parts of the world, society dictates what milestones signify adulthood (e.g., voting at 18, drinking at 21), but the Aka culture challenges this by allowing individuals to decide when they are ready for different roles.
• 😀 Neuroplasticity in the developing brain allows children and adolescents to be shaped by their environments, meaning both positive and negative experiences can significantly influence their brain development.
• 😀 Exposure to different pressures and responsibilities at a young age may result in earlier maturity, but it can also be challenging if the brain isn’t fully developed to handle those pressures.
• 😀 The concept of maturity is fluid and not tied to a specific age. Some people may reach full maturity by 18, while others may take much longer, as maturity is influenced by both biology and environment.
• 😀 The age of 18, often considered the legal age of maturity, is arbitrary and culturally constructed, with no scientific basis for its significance in terms of when a person reaches full maturity.
• 😀 Maturity is a process that varies widely between individuals, and ideally, society should allow people to navigate their own path to adulthood, considering their unique biological and cultural backgrounds.

Q & A

How does the Aka society approach the concept of autonomy for children?

In the Aka society, children are given a high degree of autonomy from a young age. They are allowed to make their own decisions, such as when to build their own hut or begin intimate relations, signaling their readiness for these milestones themselves.

How does the Aka approach to autonomy differ from Western societal norms?

Unlike many Western societies, where adulthood is determined by legal milestones such as turning 18, the Aka society emphasizes individual choice and development, allowing children to decide their own maturity markers without being subject to a fixed societal timeline.

What role does respect for individual autonomy play in the Aka children's development?

In the Aka culture, respect for individual autonomy begins at birth. Children are encouraged to be independent, taking responsibility for tasks such as cooking, hunting, and making medicines. This sense of personal responsibility fosters early development of identity and confidence.

At what age do Aka children start taking care of themselves, and what skills do they learn?

By the age of 10, Aka children are capable of fully taking care of themselves. They learn important survival skills such as hunting, cooking, and creating medicines to treat illnesses, emphasizing self-reliance from an early age.

What is meant by 'brain plasticity' and how does it relate to a child's development?

Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences. During childhood and adolescence, the brain is particularly plastic, meaning it is highly receptive to the influences of its environment, which can shape a child's development in both positive and negative ways.

Can a chaotic or unsupported environment affect a child's brain development?

Yes, a chaotic or unsupported environment can influence a child's brain development. When exposed to stressors or responsibilities before their brain is fully matured, it can lead to coping mechanisms that may shape their psychological and cognitive development, sometimes prematurely.

How does the environment affect the brain during childhood and adolescence?

The environment plays a crucial role in shaping the brain during childhood and adolescence. Positive experiences can promote healthy brain development, while negative or stressful environments can hinder cognitive and emotional growth, especially if the brain is not yet mature enough to cope with those challenges.

What insights does neuroscientist Sarah Jane Blakemore offer about maturity?

Sarah Jane Blakemore explains that maturity is not a simple, one-time event. The brain develops gradually, and external pressures, especially at a young age, can affect how an individual matures. She suggests that societal age markers like 18 may not accurately reflect an individual's psychological maturity.

Why is 18 considered the legal age of adulthood, and is it scientifically justified?

The legal age of adulthood is set at 18 largely due to societal conventions rather than scientific evidence. Although some individuals may be fully mature by 18, others may take longer to reach full maturity. This societal milestone does not necessarily align with an individual's actual developmental timeline.

Could the concept of 'individual growth' be more beneficial in defining maturity?

Yes, focusing on individual growth and development, rather than societal-wide age markers, could better reflect the diversity in how maturity is achieved. This would allow for more flexibility in how people reach adulthood, rather than imposing a fixed age threshold that may not suit everyone.