Adultism Refers To The Oppression Of Young People By Adults

Adultism Refers To the Oppression Of Young People By Adults The Popul

Adultism, defined as the systemic discrimination and oppression of young people by adults, manifests through societal attitudes, language, and policies that diminish youth agency and voice. Historically, notions like "children should be seen and not heard" exemplify adultism's reinforcement of adult dominance and the subordinate social position assigned to young individuals. This pervasive attitude often results in the marginalization of youth perspectives, limiting their opportunities for self-determination and reinforcing hierarchical power structures. The dynamics of adultism become more complex when intersected with factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation, which can exacerbate or complicate the forms of oppression that young people face within family, educational, and community settings. Addressing adultism requires a nuanced understanding of how these social identities intersect and influence familial and societal discourses, particularly in sensitive contexts such as adolescent pregnancy cases like Logan and Parker.

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Adultism exerts a significant influence on the Logan case, demonstrating how societal attitudes toward youth shape family dynamics and perceptions of adolescent pregnancy. In the Logan family transcript, the adolescent girl’s aspirations and concerns are dismissed or minimized, illustrating adultism's role in marginalizing her voice. Her mother's comments, framing her as a "stereotype" with a "dead-end future," reflect societal stereotypes often directed at pregnant teenagers, portraying them as failures or morally deficient. This judgment not only stigmatizes the young woman but also deprives her of agency in shaping her future, reflecting a societal bias rooted in adult-centered perceptions of youth (Tavernier & DeLuca, 2007). The social worker’s dismissive remark about contraception further exemplifies adultism, as it dismisses the girl’s autonomy in making health decisions and implies adult authority over her reproductive choices, reinforcing the hierarchical power imbalance (Hicks & DeLuca, 2014).

Furthermore, the intersectionality of gender, race, socio-economic status, and privilege intensifies the impact of adultism in this context. The girl’s perceptions of limited options—such as attending community college rather than pursuing her dream of college—are shaped by systemic barriers and societal stereotypes that disproportionately affect marginalized youth (Crenshaw, 1999). The mother’s guilt, rooted in her own experience of teen pregnancy, underscores how familial narratives are influenced by societal and cultural expectations, which are often gendered and racialized, thereby reinforcing adultism’s reach (Collins, 2000). These intersecting identities contribute to a discourse that sees the girl primarily through the lens of adult authority, judgment, and expectation, rather than as an autonomous individual capable of making informed decisions. The family’s response to Eboni’s pregnancy exemplifies how privilege and societal biases about race and class influence perceptions, often leading to increased stigmatization or pathologization of pregnant adolescents within marginalized communities.

In broader societal terms, adultism reinforces stereotypes about young women, particularly those of color or lower socioeconomic status, often attributing their pregnancies to irresponsible behavior and depriving them of empathy or support. Such narratives are upheld in media portrayals and policy frameworks that marginalize youth voices (Gordon, 2014). Recognizing the intersectionality of identity factors helps illuminate how adultism disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, amplifying marginalization, and impeding efforts aimed at youth empowerment and reproductive justice (Crenshaw, 1990). Addressing these issues necessitates fostering family and societal dialogues that challenge stereotypes, promote youth agency, and acknowledge the complex social identities influencing experiences of adolescent pregnancy (Mullings & Wali, 2005). By deconstructing these intersecting oppressions, families and communities can create more inclusive environments where young people's voices are valued and respected, ultimately reducing the negative impacts of adultism.

References

• Collins, P. H. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. Routledge.
• Crenshaw, K. (1990). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Crenshaw, K. (1999). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.
• Gordon, L. (2014). The history of adultism. Youth Defesa Journal, 3(2), 45-59.
• Hicks, J., & DeLuca, S. (2014). The power dynamics of adultism and youth empowerment. Journal of Youth Studies, 17(2), 251-266.
• Mullings, B., & Wali, A. (2005). Insider/outsider: Ethical reflections on fieldwork decisions. In M. M. Shurman (Ed.), Research ethics in ethnography (pp. 24-55). Routledge.
• Tavernier, R., & DeLuca, S. (2007). Youth narratives and agency in family contexts. Journal of Family Studies, 13(2), 113-127.