View Full Version : At what age do you consider someone a Man or Woman
In different cultures people are considered Men or Women at different ages, so I was just wondering what you think the age of being a Man is.
I think age 20 is a good age to be considered a man, when your 18 you are still thinking like a child a bit, when your 19 you are almost completely changed and at 20 you are finally a man mentally, but this is in western culture.
I could see how someone could mentally reach maturity much earlier given a different situation.
Sexually, 16-18 depending on gender, maturity
Religiously, 13
In contemporary globalised (western) culture:
The age at which one is financially independent from their parents, living in a separate dwelling.
So, a legally emancipated 16 year-old girl is an adult but a 24 year-old law student is not?
So, a legally emancipated 16 year-old girl is an adult but a 24 year-old law student is not?
This definition has its flaws, but I would think of an adult as someone who is entirely responsible for themselves from a legal and financial viewpoint.
I used to share a house with a 35 year old single guy who worked at a coffee warehouse. My mother wouldn't even consider him an adult because he didn't live on his own or have his own family. So I guess people's vision of adulthood can be quite detached from biological age.
Multilingual
2011-11-28, 07:04
It's not a number for me. It's when you can take care of your family.
But some people don't want a family, so this issue is kind of complicated.
Cossack Nostra
2011-11-28, 07:05
I voted based on my own experience. I think that 16 is a good age as far as laws that recognize consent are concerned. But as far as emotional maturity goes? I think that really depends on the age you are when you really emotionally grapple with serious issues instead of just thinking with your heart, and when you have the persepctive to look at your own problems from a distance. That may have been age 16 for people in ancient cultures, or 18-20 for people in the military today, but for most civilians I'd say 22-23 is the earliest possible point that most people could really come to view the world in a mature way... and in my opinion, quite a few 50+ year olds in the world still haven't.
Chalybus
2011-11-28, 07:22
Today young adults in the west are generally childish and dependent. But I think potential would be there to be fully grown up at 16/17. As this was in the past and is still in many third world countries. On the other hand I have met "freeky/crazy" 30 year olds which I have difficulties to see as man or woman.
Overall I would say the point is when you loose your idealistic and sugar-coated world view. This can either be when you don't know how to pay your rent at 18 or how to get a job at 35.
In US, I believe it is 26 for males & females.
If you're not an "adult" by this age then that is pretty bad.
I also advocate increasing the minimum voting age and military service age to 26. Many people do not have enough accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom to constitute "responsibility" by that time. Some people under the age of 26 can become very mature, responsible, and are intelligent ~ but most are not. Most are still concerned with childish activities: partying, drugs, sex, rock & roll, all the fun stuff. Adults are the ones focused on working, responsibilities, bills, sometimes raising children, a "future", etc.
I don't like the idea of having children making decisions in terms of national or international politiks and general social affairs.
In US, I believe it is 26 for males & females.
If you're not an "adult" by this age then that is pretty bad.
I also advocate increasing the minimum voting age and military service age to 26. Many people do not have enough accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom to constitute "responsibility" by that time. Some people under the age of 26 can become very mature, responsible, and are intelligent ~ but most are not. Most are still concerned with childish activities: partying, drugs, sex, rock & roll, all the fun stuff. Adults are the ones focused on working, responsibilities, bills, sometimes raising children, a "future", etc.
I don't like the idea of having children making decisions in terms of national or international politiks and general social affairs.
Why restrict military service till 26 though?I thought common knowledge is males are at their peak physical abilities in their late teens and early 20s.
Why restrict military service till 26 though?I thought common knowledge is males are at their peak physical abilities in their late teens and early 20s.
That's true; but I don't think males 18-26 are yet prepared to make a proper choice of risking death for the purpose of a war. Many wars are unnecessary, or just plain stupid. And many wars are for corporate interests, profit, and greed. Would you want to die, just to make some rich son of a bitch, richer??? I wouldn't… and I don't think a nation of soldiers should do that either. I rather believe soldiers should fight to defend their homes, first & foremost.
The younger males lack maturity and decision-making. Even though the military is different, because of Officers (who should be older).
When it's an all-out war, and a draft is needed to defend a homeland or country, then that is another matter. In that case, a draft of the young men are necessary. I don't think young men should kill unless they need to. I also suspect the younger males have more trouble with PTSD; because they may not have the mental maturity to know why they are killing, and for whom, and for what cause(s).
A man, with a family, and with an owned home, and responsibilities, has more to fight for. This is simple, common knowledge. The conservative male has more investment in his own life. And so he will fight harder to protect something he both believes in, and has necessity to risk his life about.
That's true; but I don't think males 18-26 are yet prepared to make a proper choice of risking death for the purpose of a war. Many wars are unnecessary, or just plain stupid. And many wars are for corporate interests, profit, and greed. Would you want to die, just to make some rich son of a bitch, richer??? I wouldn't… and I don't think a nation of soldiers should do that either. I rather believe soldiers should fight to defend their homes, first & foremost.
The younger males lack maturity and decision-making. Even though the military is different, because of Officers (who should be older).
When it's an all-out war, and a draft is needed to defend a homeland or country, then that is another matter. In that case, a draft of the young men are necessary. I don't think young men should kill unless they need to. I also suspect the younger males have more trouble with PTSD; because they may not have the mental maturity to know why they are killing, and for whom, and for what cause(s).
A man, with a family, and with an owned home, and responsibilities, has more to fight for. This is simple, common knowledge. The conservative male has more investment in his own life. And so he will fight harder to protect something he both believes in, and has necessity to risk his life about.
About the last part,the reverse could be said to be true.Young males could be better for fighting the wars because plenty more are single and out and about so to speak.Not to mention,peak testosterone levels could help out a bit in a war.Also,they would be easier to control.
At 16-17 people are sexually mature, but still immature adults. In some rare cases women can be adult at 14. I think I have become an adult at 20, though I'm 26 and I'm not independent, nor completely responsible.
About the last part,the reverse could be said to be true.Young males could be better for fighting the wars because plenty more are single and out and about so to speak.Not to mention,peak testosterone levels could help out a bit in a war.Also,they would be easier to control.
That's a good point. But I don't think it's sufficient-enough to justify sending young men to die… for which causes? War really depends on the causes. Even if young men are full of testosterone, and want to risk death by their own volition, choice, and "freedom", then that still does not mean what they are doing is good, right, or true.
What's the difference between a soldier killing, and a murderer?
With that question, I hesitate to send younger, immature males into war ~ who may have no clue whatsoever regarding his "choice" to risk his very life. If the younger males are irresponsible, and you seem to grant this, then at least the older "responsible" males must have a notion of the risks, causes, and justifications for their wars.
This reasoning seems to come down to: In war, which causes are either young (liberal) or older (conservative) males willing to die? Maybe the younger males are willing to take more risks… but I have doubts about that. Because it's the older males, with stakes and responsibilities, who do have the actual interest in mind.
The younger soldiers essentially are fighting for ideals, dreams, and a life "unlived". I don't think that's so good to send these males off to their death, at least without a good reason. In this case, wars of absolute necessity should draft the younger males. Without this necessity, then a different approach maybe best in dealing with those young men, their testosterone, and how they ought to risk death in the first place.
Some irresponsibility seems unavoidable… when it comes to young men and war. :unsure:
The legal age is 18. Apart from that there are teenagers mature enough to be considered men/women and 25 year old people that are still childish.
16, but it depends on your upbringing... some people are very adult like at around 12 because they had so much responsibilities, and some people at 22 are still living at home with parents playing video games all day :/ But when your under 16 i think you are vulnerable (especially girls) to men..
I think 18-19 is a proper age. In most countries you are considered adult 18, its finish of puberty, and firstable its time when you first time come in to working place.
I remember work (even though only summer time) was when I first time felt adult, cause I was surrounded by old people and I was one of them, I mean it was 'us' not 'them' anymore.
EiCibaeño
2011-11-28, 12:13
There is a difference between the age where you can vote and receive a few perks or what is labelled legally a adult (18-21)/sexually mature and when one takes responsibility for their own life and is willing to put in real work for themselves and their significant others/make sacrifices basically giving up a vibrant care free social life (25+). Is this true across the board in America? Of course not, but it seems to be a pattern.
I honestly find it weird so many people voted in the 18 range (unless they're not western/American). You do begin to become an adult at that age but you're still rife with immaturity to varying degrees and severities. To me the foundation is more solid in the early 20s and set in stone just before/at/after 25. That's the path I've followed as well as my friends who didn't end up dead beat townies.
Probably when someone can go buy booze.
Acquisitorz
2011-11-28, 12:40
I'd say 25+
Cinderella
2011-11-28, 12:43
At 16-17 people are sexually mature, but still immature adults. In some rare cases women can be adult at 14. I think I have become an adult at 20, though I'm 26 and I'm not independent, nor completely responsible.
I'm 30 and I'm not at all, but it's an educational issue, not biological.
Cynewald
2011-11-28, 12:44
I didn't feel adult until around 20. I had gotten my first job, was living alone. Physically though I still felt -- and was treated by society -- like a boy. I didn't physically mature and look like a 'man' until my late 20s. It was very frustrating for me, being reffered to as a "boy" by strangers at age 21,22,23,24,25,26 and 27 is pretty emasculating. People don't take you seriously as a man when you look like a kid.
I guess it varies from individual to individual physically and mentally. I used to play football and there were some very mentally immature 30-year-old guys that still had the high school mentality. Low and behold most of the immature ones had dead-end unskilled factory jobs or were deadbeats. One guy, who was also a childish bully who thought people should bow down to him because he was physically large, still lived with his dad and was 34. Really these guys failed to become adults in my opinion.
Particula
2011-11-28, 13:04
There is a difference between the age where you can vote and receive a few perks or what is labelled legally a adult (18-21)/sexually mature and when one takes responsibility for their own life and is willing to put in real work for themselves and their significant others/make sacrifices basically giving up a vibrant care free social life (25+). Is this true across the board in America? Of course not, but it seems to be a pattern.
I honestly find it weird so many people voted in the 18 range (unless they're not western/American). You do begin to become an adult at that age but you're still rife with immaturity to varying degrees and severities. To me the foundation is more solid in the early 20s and set in stone just before/at/after 25. That's the path I've followed as well as my friends who didn't end up dead beat townies.
in Spain sex is consent at 13 years old
The age of consent in Spain is 13, as specified by the Spanish Penal Code, Article 181(2). However, if deceit is used in gaining the consent of a minor under 16 years an individual can be charged under Article 183(1) upon parental complaint.
in America at 16 years old
The ages of consent in North America for sexual activity vary by jurisdiction.
The age of consent in Canada is 16 and all US states set their limits between 16 and 18.
in Mexico it varies from 12 years old to 18 years old
In Mexico, criminal legislation is shared between the federal and state governments. The federal law establishes the age of 12 as the minimum age of consent, while the age at which there are no restrictions for consensual sexual activities is 18 (sex with someone 12-18 is not illegal per se, but can still be open to prosecution under certain circumstances). Local state laws may override the federal law. In practice, the decision as to whether or not to prosecute is left to state authorities regardless of the younger person's age. At state level, the minimum ages of consent vary between 12 (and puberty in a few states) and 15, while the age at which there are no restrictions for consensual sexual activities vary from 16 to 18 (most common 18).
in Morocco at 18 years old
The age of consent is 18, per Art. 484 of the Penal Code.
Cynewald
2011-11-28, 13:06
My two cents for most of the population:
Mentally mature: by 25.
Sexually mature: 16 for both sexes.
Physically mature:
Men: between 20-28
Women: 18
I am 21 but I don't feel like a woman. Woman sounds so old. :(
I voted 22-23. :)
Acquisitorz
2011-11-28, 13:09
Somewhere between 25-30.
yes I agree, maturity comes (if it ever comes) mostly at 25+ yo.
Cinderella
2011-11-28, 13:11
Somewhere between 25-30.
That may be a cultura issue. In Ancient Rome, boys and girls used to become man and women around 13-15 years old.
That may be a cultura issue. In Ancient Rome, boys and girls used to become man and women around 13-15 years old.
Yes, society is more complex now.
You can't raise children if you can't drive.
ETA... I still don't feel like a "woman" (middle aged), I feel the same as I did in my 20s, but the reality that I am not getting any younger hit me right around age 30 after two kids.
I am 21 but I don't feel like a woman. Woman sounds so old. :(
I voted 22-23. :)
So you've barely got a year left before feeling old? Or will you keep on pushing the fatidic year? :evilgrin:
Sailor Ripley
2011-11-28, 13:15
16, but it depends on your upbringing... some people are very adult like at around 12 because they had so much responsibilities, and some people at 22 are still living at home with parents playing video games all day :/ But when your under 16 i think you are vulnerable (especially girls) to men..
Actually, 22 living in home with parents is still pretty normal. When I was 17 I thought that I will move in one-two years but I realised that when you're university student it's very hard to pay for apartment, food, and be a student at one time. Actually it's impossible. Your earnings will be equal to loan. Try to add some recreation or pay petrol and you'll find yourself living on your own but coming to your home every day for some support. It makes no sense. So if you live in a big city there is no point to move out until you'll finish education and find proper job, unless you're not very well supported by your family. At least in Poland it works like that. I know even 19-20 year old guys who live on their own. But how is that living on their own when they parents pay for all their bills and they eat meals in mommas house so they can boast that now they're independent.
There is no such thing as adult age. But according to opinions of my friends etc. when you cross 25 you realise that chilling-time is over and ballgame is on. So this would be like first stage of adulthood. I'm in very early twenties and every year I consider some of my previous actions stupid/immature, so I believe I'm still not adult.
---------- Post added 2011-11-28 at 14:17 ----------
I didn't feel adult until around 20. I had gotten my first job, was living alone. Physically though I still felt -- and was treated by society -- like a boy. I didn't physically mature and look like a 'man' until my late 20s. It was very frustrating for me, being reffered to as a "boy" by strangers at age 21,22,23,24,25,26 and 27 is pretty emasculating. People don't take you seriously as a man when you look like a kid.
I guess it varies from individual to individual physically and mentally. I used to play football and there were some very mentally immature 30-year-old guys that still had the high school mentality. Low and behold most of the immature ones had dead-end unskilled factory jobs or were deadbeats. One guy, who was also a childish bully who thought people should bow down to him because he was physically large, still lived with his dad and was 34. Really these guys failed to become adults in my opinion.
Common practice among bullies or so called toughs and kings of a disco. Big guys, acting tough, even riding fancy cars, but in reality they're still living with their mothers in one bedroom apartments.
Particula
2011-11-28, 13:19
age is subjetive there are people who'll always have infantile mentality
http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/polopoly_fs/me-model-1.278969!image/3177047941.jpg_gen/derivatives/wholeColumn/3177047941.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3218/amigosjugandoalaplay.jpg
EiCibaeño
2011-11-28, 13:48
in Spain sex is consent at 13 years old
in America at 16 years old
in Mexico it varies from 12 years old to 18 years old
in Morocco at 18 years old
I didn't really talk about the age of consent so I don't understand your response but the age of sexual consent shouldn't be the standard for maturity.
I was always considered mature for my age. I'm 24 turning 25 in May and consider myself an adult. Most people I see only start becoming responsible adults capable of long term planning and sacrifice after 25.
---------- Post added 2011-11-28 at 08:49 ----------
age is subjetive there are people who'll always have infantile mentality
http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/polopoly_fs/me-model-1.278969!image/3177047941.jpg_gen/derivatives/wholeColumn/3177047941.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3218/amigosjugandoalaplay.jpg
I play video games, it's a much more young adult centered market these days compared to when I was a kid.
When their own skills pay the bills:evilgrin:
Gavroche
2011-11-29, 01:58
IMO
Birth to 3yrs : Baby
4 to 10 : Children
11yrs to 13yrs : Preteen (transition period between childhood and teenage)
13yrs to 18yrs : Teenager
18yrs to 23yrs : Pre-adult (transition period between teenage and adulthood)
24yrs : Adult
So, I say 24yrs old is perfect age
---------- Post added 2011-11-29 at 03:10 ----------
I think age 20 is a good age to be considered a man, when your 18 you are still thinking like a child a bit, when your 19 you are almost completely changed and at 20 you are finally a man mentally, but this is in western culture.
.
20yrs peoples here in France, don't act like adults. they are all not mature, with spoiled child behavior, lazy, self-centered , and only want have fun .
Lolsword
2011-11-29, 02:47
age is subjetive there are people who'll always have infantile mentality
http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/polopoly_fs/me-model-1.278969!image/3177047941.jpg_gen/derivatives/wholeColumn/3177047941.jpg
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3218/amigosjugandoalaplay.jpg
I'm curious to know what is 'adult entertainment'.
Prince Chupacabra
2011-11-29, 03:02
It seems for most. "adulthood" is when you've given up on life and decided to bind yourself to the depressing confines of society.
safinator
2013-04-05, 14:28
After 30, before that just young Adults.
faint smile 1992
2013-04-05, 20:06
Someone's a young man or woman in their early teens but they're not yet properly an adult till they're like 25 which happens to be around the time the brain fully matures. Both biology and life experiences play a part and it doesn't happen overnight, adolescence is not childhood.
People whine about how kids are growing up too fast, but the real sickness is that 'men' over 25 might be experiencing for the first time things people used to experience shortly after they got hairs on their balls.
when the berries are blue, they are ready for plucking,
when the girls are sixteen, they are well, almost adult.
Danielion
2013-04-06, 00:03
when the berries are blue, they are ready for plucking,
when the girls are sixteen, they are well, almost adult.
Was about to answer something similar, but not with as good wording as yours. :)
Depends on the maturity level of an individual.
I'd say average threshold is about 20, but it can be as young as 16-17 or as old as.... well, that's indefinite.
faint smile 1992
2013-04-06, 04:24
If he's old enough to be interested in girls, I call him a man. ;)
If he's old enough to be interested in girls, I call him a man. ;)
So a 12 years old would be a man...
faint smile 1992
2013-04-06, 08:28
So a 12 years old would be a man...
If he asks for it he's not a kid anymore is he? ;)
http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/23888000/ngbbs4f84ae113d381.jpg
Danielion
2013-04-06, 14:35
If he asks for it he's not a kid anymore is he? ;)
http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/23888000/ngbbs4f84ae113d381.jpg
Hence some female teachers got into trouble for making a boy lucky.
A little off topic, but here's a song about a 16-year old guy losing his virginity to a 28-year old woman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1ZQeswiZNQ
One line say:
"As a boy I took your hand,
but as a man I saw the sun rise."
faint smile 1992
2013-04-06, 15:46
Hence some female teachers got into trouble for making a boy lucky.
A little off topic, but here's a song about a 16-year old guy losing his virginity to a 28-year old woman.
If hes not having sex at 16 already hes a bit backwards. :p
Belgae Celt
2013-04-27, 01:59
In different cultures people are considered Men or Women at different ages, so I was just wondering what you think the age of being a Man is.
I think age 20 is a good age to be considered a man, when your 18 you are still thinking like a child a bit, when your 19 you are almost completely changed and at 20 you are finally a man mentally, but this is in western culture.
I could see how someone could mentally reach maturity much earlier given a different situation.
I have always thought how stupid it is that here in America, an eighteen year old can join the army and get sent off to die for his country but yet is not considered mature or old enough to be able to legally buy beer.
They are old enough to go to war but not old enough just to get drunk- I've never understood that reasoning here in America.
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