Summary Of Barbara Ray's Definition Of An Adult

18. It’s a big number. When you 're 18 the world is yours, you can legally buy cigarettes, you can vote for the first time, and oh yeah, you are legally an adult. But being an adult is not determined solely by the date you were born, it is much more complex. As younger individuals continue to reach for the title of an “adult”, the label has proven to be an increasingly controversial topic. To be considered an adult, one must be financially independent and emotionally stable.
Many wrongfully equate the idea of ‘adulthood’ purely with the financial phase of an individual. The financial aspect of adulthood is depicted by journalist Barbara Ray, in the article “ What does it mean to an Adult”. Throughout the article Ray claims that to be considered

Blogger, Marc Chernoff exploits the alternative side of the definition of adulthood in her article, “What is Adulthood”. Throughout the article Chernoff analyzes alternative definitions for adulthood, ones centered around the mentality of the individual. Chernoff declares that adulthood is “based strictly on emotional maturity”(Chernoff). Chernoff then goes on to explain how an adult must satisfy various standards such as “accepting negative feedback as a tool for self improvement”, and even, “being able to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’”(Chernoff). Although Chernoff has gotten closer to the true meaning of adulthood, even her list proves difficult for most who consider themselves ‘adults’ to check off. For example, want vs need is a difficult dilemma faced by many throughout the world, and many adults find it difficult to conquer this trait. Chernoff does, however succeed in outlining some of the key mental aspects of adulthood. Contrary to Ray, she believes the idea of adulthood is centered more so around the maturity of an individual. Therefore, Chernoff provides sufficient evidence that to be considered an adult, one must not only be financially independent, but also emotionally

Countless teenagers and even children claim themselves to be adults once they find a job, start to drive, or even begin to drink. Many believe that since they have begun some of the tasks adults conquer daily, they have earned the tedious title of being an ‘adult’. This, however is not correct since they regularly are no where near the level of maturity and stability being an adult requires. This idea is discussed by Siobhan Hannes in the article, “The Teenage Brain: Why Teens Are Not Adults”. Hannes claims that teens can not be considered adults, as their brain does not yet contain the capacity to perform as adults. Hannes states, “Teens are nowhere near capable of performing like adults”(Hannes) due to factors including the adolescent brain incapability to fully master skills such as “emotional restraint, the ability to resist impulses, and rational decision-making”(Hannes). Therefore, although a teenager may participate in some activities that adults participate in, they under no means have earned the respect of being considered an