Discussion Impact Of Ageism And Adultism

Discussion Impact Of Ageism And Adultismadultism Refers To The Oppres

Adultism refers to the systemic oppression of young people by adults, characterized by the belief that adults hold authority and power over children, often leading to the marginalization of youth voices and self-determination. The phrase "children should be seen and not heard" exemplifies this mindset by reinforcing a hierarchy where children's opinions are considered less valuable than those of adults. This cultural stance perpetuates the idea that children should remain subordinate and passive in family, educational, and societal settings, which can undermine their autonomy and development.

In the context of the Logan case, adultism manifests through the actions and attitudes of adults that influence the family’s discourse surrounding Eboni's pregnancy. Adults may impose their perspectives, fears, and expectations on Eboni and other family members, limiting her agency in making decisions about her body and future. Such conduct reflects a paternalistic view, where adults assume authority based on age, thereby constraining the young person's voice and reinforcing hierarchical power structures. This dynamic can also shape the family’s communication patterns, possibly leading to suppression of Eboni's feelings and perspectives, which may intensify her sense of alienation or helplessness.

The intersection of age with factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation further complicates this oppression. For instance, marginalized racial or ethnic groups often face compounded forms of discrimination that can diminish their agency even more profoundly. Socioeconomic disparities may restrict access to resources and support, making young individuals more vulnerable to adultist attitudes and actions. Similarly, sexual minority youth—like Eboni—may experience additional stigmatization, which can influence how family members discuss and manage her pregnancy, often entrenching biases rooted in societal norms and privilege.

In the Logan case, adultism may be expressed through controlling behaviors, dismissive communication, or a lack of recognition for Eboni's maturity and capacity to participate in decision-making processes. The family’s discourse may be colored by assumptions that young people are inherently less knowledgeable or less capable of making sound choices, especially in contexts involving sensitive topics like pregnancy. These attitudes can inhibit open dialogue and create emotional distance, further impacting familial relationships.

The interplay of gender, race, class, and privilege amplifies the effects of adultism within the family system. For example, gender norms may dictate that young women are responsible for maintaining moral and behavioral standards, thus influencing family reactions to Eboni's pregnancy. Racial and ethnic backgrounds can inform stereotypes or cultural expectations around sexuality and reproductive health, affecting how family members discuss and approach the situation. Wealth and social class influence access to education and healthcare, shaping the options and support available to Eboni. Privilege determines whose voice is prioritized, often marginalizing youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or minority groups, as their perspectives may be dismissed or undervalued.

Overall, adultism intertwined with intersecting social identities results in a complex, multilayered form of oppression that shapes family dynamics and discourse about youth experiences like pregnancy. Recognizing these intersections is crucial for fostering more equitable, inclusive dialogues that empower young people and respect their autonomy, especially in culturally sensitive contexts.

References

• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
• Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Catalano, D. C. J., DeJong, K., Hackman, H. W., ... Zuniga, X. (2018). Readings for diversity and social justice (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
• Brown, B. B. (2010). Family and adolescent development: Intersections of age, identity, and social context. Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 219–230.
• Fraser, N. (2008). Rethinking the body politic: Embodiment, gender, and power. Feminist Theory, 9(2), 157–173.
• Torres, L., & Pardo, P. (2014). Intersectionality and social justice: Analyzing race, class, gender, and age. Social Justice Research, 27(2), 305–324.
• Kenway, J., & Willmott, C. (2014). Children, childhood, and the politics of age. Childhood & Society, 28(6), 620–635.
• Halpern, D. (2014). Making sense of diversity: Towards a culturally relevant model. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 43, 1–11.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.
• Sperling, R., & Jowell, R. (2013). Power and youth agency: The role of social context in shaping perceptions of age-based authority. Youth & Society, 45(4), 529–548.
• Ginsberg, F. D. (2019). Cultural narratives and the social construction of youth. Youth & Society, 51(6), 868–885.