underdog Posted August 3, 2003 According to a May 9, 2003 AP story (ABC) The law may imply that you're a grown-up when you're old enough to vote, serve in the military or drink legally. But most Americans really think adulthood begins at age 26, according to a new study from the University of Chicago. The study said most people don't consider a person grown up until they finish school, get a full-time job and start raising a family. Tom W. Smith, who authored the study, said Thursday the results are a sign that society has accepted what researchers have long called an "extended adolescence." [...] Take marriage, for example. In the 1950s, the most common age for brides was 18. According to those surveyed, the average age someone should marry was 25.7, and the age for having children was 26.2. According to the Mayo Clinic, fertility rates remain relatively stable until the early 30s, and then they decrease to very low levels by the early 40s. Peak fertility occurs between the ages of 20 to 24. Why the modern delay for perceived "adulthood"? Back to the AP story: Robert Billingham, an associate professor of human development and family studies at Indiana University, said the trend of delayed adulthood can be partly explained by society's emphasis on attending college. And, he said, as more people pursue postgraduate studies to find jobs, traditional adult activities are likely to be postponed even longer. It's school. The ability to earn a liveable wage today requires schooling until after the reproductive years. Thus marriage is postponed, increasing the temptation for pre-marital sex, thus weakening the institutions of marriage and family even further. The educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree should be made available to all by age 18. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intuition Posted August 4, 2003 Asalaamu'alaykum... Subxan'Allah thats so true. The sad thing is that us muslims are following the same path. Their train of thought is becoming our norms as we speak. People are postponing marriage and so ziina is more practised subxan'allah. We need to all grow up and realise the world for what it is. we are all but travellers on this earth and so some day we shall all leave it. And what have we got to show for it? Ya'ALLAH help us to remain steedfast on your deen whilst living amoungst such fitna. Lets take a minute to reflex on this article...What is a "triditional" adult, subxan'allah, there were companions of the prophet who were sooo young yet would fight in the battles with such courage it would put us all to shame. Some were in their teens! And we are having trouble taking responsibility at the age of 24 & 25. I think the answer is that we all need to grow up a little. Who said you cant Study and have a family at the same time, with Allah's help anything can be done. So Ya'laa Start getting married people b4 ur to old lool. Underdog, great post kiddo. Wasalaam my ppl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xafsa Posted August 4, 2003 Originally posted by underdog: Peak fertility occurs between the ages of 20 to 24. . Hmmmmm...interesting anywho...thats really true walaahi... Intuition ---I agree with you 100% Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
