Impact Of Ageism And Adultism: The Oppression Of Adults

Impact Of Ageism And Adultismadultism Refers To The Oppression Of Youn

Impact of Ageism and Adultism Adultism refers to the oppression of young people by adults. The popular saying "children should be seen and not heard" is used as a way to remind a child of his or her place and reaffirm the adult's power in the relationship. The saying suggests that children's voices are not as important or as valid as an adult's and they should remain quiet. Children are often relegated to subordinate positions due to socially constructed beliefs about what they can or cannot accomplish or what they should or should not do; this in turn compromises youth's self-determination. This oppression is further highlighted when considering the intersection of age with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.

You will be asked to consider all of these when reviewing the Logan case and Parker case. By Day 3 Post an analysis of the influence of adultism in the Logan case. Then, explain how gender, race, class, and privilege interact with adultism to influence the family's discourse related to Eboni's pregnancy as well as other family dynamics.

Paper For Above instruction

Adultism, a subset of ageism, refers to the systemic discrimination and oppression directed toward young people by adults. This phenomenon manifests in various social, cultural, and institutional practices that diminish the authority, voices, and agency of youth, often rooted in deeply ingrained societal beliefs that adults are inherently more knowledgeable and competent than children or adolescents. This entrenched bias significantly influences family dynamics, societal interactions, and institutional policies, shaping perceptions and behaviors toward young individuals.

The concept of adultism encapsulates a range of behaviors—from overt discrimination, such as dismissing youth opinions or excluding them from decision-making processes, to more subtle forms like infantilization or condescension. Historically, the adage "children should be seen and not heard" reflects societal views that prioritize adult perspectives over those of young people, implying their voices lack value or relevance. Such attitudes perpetuate a cycle where youth are marginalized and their self-determination is compromised. These dynamics are particularly evident within family settings, where authority often resides solely with adults, thereby limiting opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in family discourse or decision-making.

The intersectionality of ageism and adultism with other social identities such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation compounds these issues. For marginalized youth, including those from minority racial or ethnic backgrounds or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, adultism can intersect with racial or class-based stereotypes, leading to compounded discrimination. For example, young individuals of color may experience stereotypes that diminish their credibility and reinforce adultist attitudes that deny their agency. Likewise, youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may be subject to assumptions about their behavior or worth that are rooted in classist biases, further entrenching their subordinate position within family and societal hierarchies.

The Logan and Parker cases exemplify how adultism influences family dynamics and the discourse surrounding youth experiences. In the Logan case, adultism appears in the prioritization of adult perspectives over the juvenile's voice, especially in sensitive issues like pregnancy. The adult figures may dismiss or minimize the young person's feelings or agency, framing her experience through an adult-centric narrative rather than acknowledging her as an active participant in her life. This marginalization not only impacts her self-esteem but also affects her capacity for self-determination and agency.

Furthermore, gender, race, and class intersect with adultism to shape family discourse in complex ways. In families where traditional gender roles are emphasized, adolescent girls' pregnancies might be viewed through moral or behavioral lenses that reinforce patriarchal expectations, potentially stigmatizing Eboni or other young women. Race and ethnicity further influence these interactions; for example, cultural beliefs about sexuality or youth sexuality may lead to intensified scrutiny or judgment based on racial stereotypes. Socioeconomic privilege or disadvantage can either mitigate or exacerbate these dynamics; families with economic means may have access to resources that support youth agency, whereas economically marginalized families might dismiss or overlook the young person's voice altogether, reinforcing hierarchical and adultist attitudes.

In conclusion, adultism significantly influences family discourse and dynamics by maintaining power hierarchies that subordinate youth voices, especially when intersected with other social identities. Recognizing these intersections is vital for fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment for young individuals, allowing their voices to be heard and their agency to be honored within family and societal contexts.

References

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