Extended Adolescence?

Apollo Celestio · Jun 9, 2010

I've been hearing about this from various sources.. and well, lots of complaints too. It's the notion that adolescence in recent years has extended unto one's mid 20's. What do you all think of this?

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifesty...lescence_x.htm
For your reading pleasure, though I don't mind discussion on the article.. I'm not interested on how bad the article is or the author's intelligence. It's just to give background.

If anyone has other links and or opinions, do share. This is a discussion, so ask questions and give opinions and information. It's open, so don't wonder if I'm asking something specific and just post. >_>

overit · Jun 9, 2010

Honestly an excellent article....I agree with it. I don't oppose at all the idea of extended adolescence-it makes sense to me on most levels. Just the way society is now (living longer-job hopping-education requirements are higher-jobs w/out higher education are no longer enough to support starting a family).

I also don't see the lack of independence as bad-in most countries kids live w/their parents well into their 20's and more or until they marry-something unheard of here-the economy has forced many people to return to parent while in school-also creating closer familial bonds which had been erroded over the last decades.

Dent · Jun 9, 2010

I don’t agree that adolescence now extends into our mid-twenties (thank god for that!). If anything, I think you could argue it the other way and say it starts earlier as boys and girls seem to be hitting puberty at a younger age.

Instead, I would argue that people who claim that is does need to stop trying to fit young adults (of which I include myself) into their definitions and start paying attention to ours. For example, the article you linked us to uses the following quote:

“The traditional adulthood of duty and self-sacrifice is becoming more and more a thing of the past."

I am sorry, but this is an extremely short sighted view of young adults today. Instead, I think that young adults today are some of the most socially and culturally conscious adults in history. As such, they do have duty and do self-sacrifice, but not solely to the narrow set of values of our parents. Today, young adults aspire to a much greater set of values that have a global feel to them. And, how do you know about the world? You go to these places. You take trips. You see what the world is really like. That takes time and that might mean not jumping right into ‘the typical’ way of doing things.

Further, the notion of duty and self-sacrifice espoused in the article is so closely linked with the idea of the white, middle-class, 2.5 kids, university educated/trades educated, suburban family that it is almost laughable that people try to apply it to young adults today. The world has changed a lot on so many levels. Of course, the irony of all of this is that our parents fought so hard to change the world and then they can’t understand why we have taken a different path.

Anyway – that is what I think.

Apollo Celestio · Jun 9, 2010

That's kind of what it said, young adults aren't sucked into the lives their parents thought were the only way.

ProAntiRevolution · Jun 9, 2010

Part of it is the natural result of people living longer life spans. Just like in the past when technological advances were growing life spans we stopped expecting 14 and 15 year olds to be mature adults. In the modern world we're living even longer, and post high school education or training is basically a must have.

Though I think you have to take child centricism into account here as well. Children of parents fully embracing this world view are now getting into their mid to late 20's. The problem is mom and dad have learned that if their entire life doesn't revolve around the children they're bad parents. It makes it very difficult for them to transition to the empty nest phase of life.

That said there is no physical or psychological reason why 18 year olds should not be ready to face the world on adult terms. Instead of extending adolescence we could be creating longer, and more enjoyable, productive adulthoods.

Fremdin · Jun 9, 2010

I think that an extending adolescence into the mid 20's is just a way to avoid responsibility for a few years.

PassionFruit · Jun 9, 2010

It's kind of interesting, the idea of what it means to be an adult has changed over the past decades. In fact, the notion of an "adolescence" is something of a social construct. If you look at many cultures and throughout history, you're going to find that a person would be considered an adult by the time they reach puberty. You move straight from childhood to adulthood.

Further, the notion of duty and self-sacrifice espoused in the article is so closely linked with the idea of the white, middle-class, 2.5 kids, university educated/trades educated, suburban family that it is almost laughable that people try to apply it to young adults today. The world has changed a lot on so many levels. Of course, the irony of all of this is that our parents fought so hard to change the world and then they cant understand why we have taken a different path.

I have to agree. While there's nothing wrong with having a family and living in the subarbs, this ignores that many people aren't able to achieve to this way of life. People have intentionally been shut out of it.

But as far as the article is concerned, it just means that things are changing.

K9_Trainer · Jun 9, 2010

I suppose it depends on how you define adulthood.

If we're going by when people "settle down" with a spouse and kids, yeah, that kinda presents a very one sided, narrow view of what adulthood is. A lot of people now are simply opting not to do that, not to get married, not to have kids. Nothing wrong with that. And the article basically presented what I think...Its nearly impossible to be an adult by that definition at 18. Not when if you want a good job to support yourself, then you basically need a degree which takes 4 years to get. And now everybody has one so if you really want to stand you, you need to spend another 2 to 4 getting a masters or PhD. It just gives one more opportunity and more possibilities.

Just because one is going to college and perhaps living at home, I don't think makes them an adolescent. Why not do what saves money? Why force somebody into the "real world" when its unnecessary?

overit · Jun 9, 2010

Fremdin said:
I think that an extending adolescence into the mid 20's is just a way to avoid responsibility for a few years.

HOw is it avoiding responsibility if most of the kids are in school or completing masters...or does responsibility only come from living alone and holding a job?

They are indeed taking responsibility for their futures and families by extending their education and also many are trying to pay off loans before starting families...seems quite responsible to me.

overit · Jun 9, 2010

K9_Trainer said:
I suppose it depends on how you define adulthood.

If we're going by when people "settle down" with a spouse and kids, yeah, that kinda presents a very one sided, narrow view of what adulthood is. A lot of people now are simply opting not to do that, not to get married, not to have kids. Nothing wrong with that. And the article basically presented what I think...Its nearly impossible to be an adult by that definition at 18. Not when if you want a good job to support yourself, then you basically need a degree which takes 4 years to get. And now everybody has one so if you really want to stand you, you need to spend another 2 to 4 getting a masters or PhD. It just gives one more opportunity and more possibilities.

Just because one is going to college and perhaps living at home, I don't think makes them an adolescent. Why not do what saves money? Why force somebody into the "real world" when its unnecessary?

I absolutely agree-especially if it can help them avoid thousands in loan money to be repaid and enter "adulthood" w/mountains of debt.

white dove · Jun 9, 2010

Ishida said:
I've been hearing about this from various sources.. and well, lots of complaints too. It's the notion that adolescence in recent years has extended unto one's mid 20's. What do you all think of this?

http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifesty...lescence_x.htm
For your reading pleasure, though I don't mind discussion on the article.. I'm not interested on how bad the article is or the author's intelligence. It's just to give background.

If anyone has other links and or opinions, do share. This is a discussion, so ask questions and give opinions and information. It's open, so don't wonder if I'm asking something specific and just post. >_>

I think the article rings very true. I agree with everything said there. It is quite thorough in including not only marriage-minded individuals, but also financially responsible ones (living independently of others). It doesn't focus solely on getting married and having babies by the time one is 23. It considers career-minded individuals as well. It is clearly not a new observation as the date on the article attests to. But, I'm glad that more and more people are opening their eyes to it.

I think this statement says a lot:

"They're not as mature because they're not required to be," he says. "It's really the society and culture as a whole."

Luther073082 · Jun 9, 2010

I think there are couple factors here

1. Is that it takes more education to get ahead or just get a decent job anymore. This not only takes time but it takes money. (Student loans)

2. Is the job market for young adults has been one of the hardest hit sectors in this economy. So its even tougher for young adult to come right out of college and just find that job. And I personally think that its difficult for older people to understand the difficulties there are for a person new to the job market to find a good paying job.

3. Perhaps its also that marriage and children are not emphasized as much so people are also putting that off as well.

Blank123 · Jun 9, 2010

eh, some might think i'm into extended adlosence. thats fine. i don't care. but some of the assumptions annoy me. If I had my way I'd have moved out and have finished with school long ago. but health and finances kind of put a halt to that, so i'm still at home. And thats extremely frustrating for someone who is very independent to have to rely on others.

I am seriously considering finding full-time work and continuing my education while living on my own, but again health concerns come into play. I'm honestly not sure if I could handle all that. There's a very good chance that in 6 months i'd be back living with my parents and back right where i started if i tried. Also, the way things are now I'll still take 5-6 years to finish my degree. If i moved out on my own i might have to add another 2-3 years to that. so it would take longer before I'd actually be able to make a good living that would actually work for my needs, health wise. As much as i hate to admit it because i really do long to be on my own, it makes far much more sense to stay put.

so yeah. think me lazy and irresponsible if you want. i actually think i am being responsible by knowing what i can handle and attempting to figure out a way to actually live my life as independently as i can at some point without putting my health through the ringer anymore than i have to.

CrusaderKing · Jun 9, 2010

Luther073082 said:
I think there are couple factors here

1. Is that it takes more education to get ahead or just get a decent job anymore. This not only takes time but it takes money. (Student loans)

This is a big point here. There are also a lot of parents pushing their children towards the idea of having a college education when their children may not be college material.

2. Is the job market for young adults has been one of the hardest hit sectors in this economy. So its even tougher for young adult to come right out of college and just find that job. And I personally think that its difficult for older people to understand the difficulties there are for a person new to the job market to find a good paying job.

In all honesty, a lot of that is depending on what you're willing to do. If you're willing to do hard labor, join the military, drive a truck, etc., then you can get a job. You just have to be willing to get your hands dirty, something that I think a lot of people feel is beneath them. I'm sorry, but we do need people to collect garbage, work janitorial jobs, work on farms, etc. I've done my share of work in the blazing sun.

3. Perhaps its also that marriage and children are not emphasized as much so people are also putting that off as well.

I've seen a few people jump into marriage young and regret it. There are plenty of people that don't want children as well. There are plenty of reasons people don't want to get married, but that's for another thread.

Luther073082 · Jun 9, 2010

CrusaderKing said:
In all honesty, a lot of that is depending on what you're willing to do. If you're willing to do hard labor, join the military, drive a truck, etc., then you can get a job. You just have to be willing to get your hands dirty, something that I think a lot of people feel is beneath them. I'm sorry, but we do need people to collect garbage, work janitorial jobs, work on farms, etc. I've done my share of work in the blazing sun.

Yes but that work isn't always the best paying work either. Not easy to do some of those jobs making that income and pay off college loans. I'm not excusing anyone who chooses to do nothing as opposed to doing something. But when you combine college loans with that kind of work, it doesn't exactly lead to total financial independence.

I've seen a few people jump into marriage young and regret it. There are plenty of people that don't want children as well. There are plenty of reasons people don't want to get married, but that's for another thread.

Well I think the culture of the day tells most people that they should get their dream job or at least a very good paying job and then get married. And since its difficult to get that very good paying job, marriage is also being held off.

I really just think a lot of this is that the real good jobs are harder and harder for young people to get. And so its harder, especially saddled with debt for someone to settle down without having a good solid job.

There are a lot of boomers out there who are kind of clogging up the job market, they have a lot of the good jobs and they havn't retired yet. And the job market always has a premium put on experience. So if you are an employer, in a tough job market when you can have your pick of people, you will take the guy with the experience.

deliciousBass · Jun 9, 2010

I can't speak for other countries and cultures, but like it or not, extended adolescence is what the U.S. has brought upon itself. Unless you join the military or slave away for years at low paying dead end jobs in hopes of getting enough crappy pay raises to reach the lower middle class, most children born today will undoubtedly experience an extended adolescence. This is why I'm a big supporter of vocational/technical high schools that most States seem to lack.

Actually, a lot of people in my age group are still in it or at the tail end of their extended adolescence.

white dove · Jun 9, 2010

deliciousBass said:
I can't speak for other countries and cultures, but like it or not, extended adolescence is what the U.S. has brought upon itself. Unless you join the military or slave away for years at low paying dead end jobs in hopes of getting enough crappy pay raises to reach the lower middle class, most children born today will undoubtedly experience an extended adolescence. This is why I'm a big supporter of vocational/technical high schools that most States seem to lack.

Actually, a lot of people in my age group are still in it or at the tail end of their extended adolescence.

I truly appreciate the education I've been given, but at the same time, I do wish I hadn't been such a snob when it came to technical schools back when I was much younger. It is only recently that I have seen the benefit of those kinds of schools and the training you're essentially given. I know people who've gone to 1 or 2-year programs that only have certificates who make more than I do. They're having the last laugh.... for now. :unbelievable:

K9_Trainer · Jun 9, 2010

little_tigress said:
eh, some might think i'm into extended adlosence. thats fine. i don't care. but some of the assumptions annoy me. If I had my way I'd have moved out and have finished with school long ago. but health and finances kind of put a halt to that, so i'm still at home. And thats extremely frustrating for someone who is very independent to have to rely on others.

I am seriously considering finding full-time work and continuing my education while living on my own, but again health concerns come into play. I'm honestly not sure if I could handle all that. There's a very good chance that in 6 months i'd be back living with my parents and back right where i started if i tried. Also, the way things are now I'll still take 5-6 years to finish my degree. If i moved out on my own i might have to add another 2-3 years to that. so it would take longer before I'd actually be able to make a good living that would actually work for my needs, health wise. As much as i hate to admit it because i really do long to be on my own, it makes far much more sense to stay put.

so yeah. think me lazy and irresponsible if you want. i actually think i am being responsible by knowing what i can handle and attempting to figure out a way to actually live my life as independently as i can at some point without putting my health through the ringer anymore than i have to.

Hey I'm in the same boat.

I'm just finishing up my third year of college. I'm into science, so you basically have to have at least a bachelors to go anywhere with it career wise, a masters or PhD would be better. I mean, what am I supposed to do? I graduated highschool at 17, and if that wasn't the biggest waste of 4 years of my life, I don't know what is because I spent my first 2 years of college taking required gen ed classes that were highschool all over again. Great.

It was incredibly unrealistic for me to be on my own right out of high school and its gonna stay pretty unrealistic until I have that wonderful piece of paper in my hand. And when I do, its back to school to get another, or two. Luckily my parents aren't the type to think I should be. Although I'd hope that once I have a bachelors and I can get a decent job that will allow me, I CAN get a place of my own with a roommate and work on a graduate degree at the same time.

Blank123 · Jun 9, 2010

K9_Trainer said:
Hey I'm in the same boat.

I'm just finishing up my third year of college. I'm into science, so you basically have to have at least a bachelors to go anywhere with it career wise, a masters or PhD would be better. I mean, what am I supposed to do? I graduated highschool at 17, and if that wasn't the biggest waste of 4 years of my life, I don't know what is because I spent my first 2 years of college taking required gen ed classes that were highschool all over again. Great.

It was incredibly unrealistic for me to be on my own right out of high school and its gonna stay pretty unrealistic until I have that wonderful piece of paper in my hand. And when I do, its back to school to get another, or two. Luckily my parents aren't the type to think I should be. Although I'd hope that once I have a bachelors and I can get a decent job that will allow me, I CAN get a place of my own with a roommate and work on a graduate degree at the same time.

nice to know others can understand what its like. its frustrating, but my parents are also really cool about it and haven't been pressuring me to get out on my own. the only pressure i get from others come from those who don't know the situation and don't care to know. they just assume they know whats best for me and that i should be living my life the way they think. argh.

overit · Jun 9, 2010

little_tigress said:
nice to know others can understand what its like. its frustrating, but my parents are also really cool about it and haven't been pressuring me to get out on my own. the only pressure i get from others come from those who don't know the situation and don't care to know. they just assume they know whats best for me and that i should be living my life the way they think. argh.

It irritates me that people seem to know whats best for you as well....I mean it's up to you and your parents. IMO -all of you staying at home while getting an education are the smart ones!!

It's so very sad that in the US there's been such a HUGE push towards independence (from family) even from a very young age-it's completely disproportionate to how it is in most other countries also. I don't see why it's valued as the end all/be all....when many important lessons are also learned at home as well as cementing bonds/closeness with family.

Many cultures even live together AFTER marriage-they are the most financially succesful also-why? They don't push for independence, they pull together as a family and are also very close. They succeed because of it as well and I doubt they have the disconnect from extended family/society and even depression/mountain of debt at young age that people do here. So really-what good is pushing for "early out of the home".

It doesn't bring anything good with it IMO. The "good" gained from early independence does and has never outweighed the negative IMO-and it's evident by how society in the US is right now.

People shouldn't look down at FAMILIES sticking together-helping eachother out as much as possible. I wonder where we get our messed up priorities sometimes.

Extended Adolescence?

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