Journal #14: Who and What is an Adult?

An article by Jennifer Tanner details the two views on adulthood. One theory comes from Jeffrey Arnett who believes that from the ages of 18-29, people are in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This period is known as emerging adulthood. In emerging adulthood, one feels neither like a teenager or an adult; they feel in between. On the other hand, many scholars believe "that there is no "emerging adulthood," but rather, an extended adolescence that is stalling-off adulthood". One can transition quickly through this stage if they begin to play the role of an adult, such as take on financial responsibility and having a "real" job.

When it comes down to it, age plays a role in whether one is considered an adult or not, at least in the eyes of the law. Many government forms require you to be a certain age, and there are restrictions on tobacco and alcohol until one is a specific age. However, adulthood is about taking on responsibility and being mature. Once you are ready to "[accept] responsibility, [make] independent decisions, and [become] financially independent", you're an adult.

Images Used:

• http://oknoworld.com/2014/05/15/the-power-of-letting-go/freedom/