Why does it take so long to grow up today? | Jeffrey Jensen Arnett | TEDxPSU

Summary

The script discusses the concept of 'emerging adulthood' as a new life stage between adolescence and young adulthood, necessitated by societal changes. Key factors include the technology revolution, which demands higher education, the sexual revolution altering the timing of marriage and parenthood, the Women's Movement expanding opportunities for women, and the Youth Movement changing attitudes towards age. The speaker argues that this extended period allows for personal growth and exploration, urging young adults to embrace this freedom before the responsibilities of adulthood.

Takeaways

• 📚 The transition from a manufacturing to a knowledge economy has extended the period of education, pushing back the age at which people enter stable jobs and family life.
• 💊 The sexual revolution, marked by the invention of the birth control pill, has decoupled sex from marriage and reproduction, leading to later marriage ages.
• 🚺 The Women's Movement has dramatically increased women's participation in higher education and the workforce, altering traditional expectations and life planning for young women.
• 🌟 The Youth Movement of the 1960s and 1970s diminished the prestige of adulthood, encouraging a culture where youth is celebrated and young people are less hurried to mature.
• 🎓 More individuals are pursuing higher education than ever before, which delays other life milestones such as marriage and parenthood.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 The age at which people first marry has significantly increased, with women now marrying at 27 and men at 29 on average, up from 20 and 23 in 1960.
• 🏛 The societal shift towards valuing youth over adulthood has led to a new life stage called 'emerging adulthood,' occurring in the 20s.
• 🌐 The four revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s—technology, sexual, women's rights, and youth movements—have collectively shaped the current societal structure and life stages.
• 🚀 Emerging adulthood offers a unique period of freedom and exploration, allowing individuals to pursue personal growth, adventure, and unconventional career paths.
• 👶 Delaying marriage and parenthood can lead to more informed choices in life partners and better preparedness for the responsibilities of raising a family.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the script regarding the changes in the process of growing up?

The main argument is that it takes longer to grow up today than in the past due to significant societal changes, which has led to the emergence of a new life stage called 'emerging adulthood' between adolescence and young adulthood.

What were the four revolutions mentioned in the script that have contributed to the current societal structure, including the new life stage of emerging adulthood?

The four revolutions mentioned are the technology revolution, the sexual revolution, the Women's Movement, and the Youth Movement.

How has the technology revolution affected the job market and the need for education?

The technology revolution has transitioned the economy from manufacturing to knowledge-based, requiring more education beyond high school for the best job opportunities, thus pushing back the age at which people enter stable, long-term employment.

What was the impact of the sexual revolution, particularly the invention of the birth control pill, on societal norms?

The sexual revolution, including the invention of the birth control pill, broke the traditional link between sexuality and reproduction, and subsequently between sexuality and marriage, leading to a rise in the median marriage age.

How has the Women's Movement changed the educational and career aspirations of young women?

The Women's Movement has led to a significant increase in the number of women attending college and pursuing careers, changing their life planning and aspirations, and contributing to the delay in traditional adult milestones.

What is the Youth Movement and how has it influenced the perception of adulthood?

The Youth Movement of the 1960s and 1970s diminished the prestige associated with adulthood and elevated the value of youth, leading to a cultural shift where young people are less hurried to enter into traditional adult roles.

Why does the speaker argue that '30 is the new 20'?

The speaker argues that '30 is the new 20' because the transitions that used to happen around age 20, such as settling into a career, getting married, and having children, now occur closer to age 30 for most people.

What are the potential benefits of the emerging adulthood stage according to the script?

The potential benefits include more time for education and career development, better choices in marriage partners, improved parenting, and an extended period of freedom to explore and take risks before settling into adult responsibilities.

How does the script suggest young people should approach the stage of emerging adulthood?

The script encourages young people to make the most of the freedom and opportunities during emerging adulthood, not to rush into adulthood, and to remind others that it's their life and they should determine their own pace.

What is the speaker's view on the unhappiness some people express about the extended period of growing up?

The speaker challenges the unhappiness by suggesting that the extended period of growing up is not a fault of the young but a result of preparing for a more complex economy and taking advantage of new opportunities, and it should be embraced.

What advice does the speaker give to young people regarding the pressure to enter adulthood quickly?

The speaker advises young people not to be rushed into adulthood before they are ready, to enjoy the unique freedom of emerging adulthood, and to remind others that it's their life and they should live it at their own pace.