It is important that I understand the message I am trying to portray in this project, therefore subject research is essential. From my initial research I understand there a lot of different challenges being in your 20’s and many changes. What I have always found interesting is that 21 is the age you are defined as an adult. 18 brings a sense of independence as you are legally allowed to more things but I think at 21 there are more exceptions of what you should be doing and how to act.
Looking back at history, the age of adulthood in the bible is 20. Before World War 2, the age in USA and UK was 21 (this is because this is when you could become a knight).
21 is now the highest world legal adult age of majority. Also a lot of laws (mainly USA) affect people below 21, such as drinking and gambling. But is adulthood only defined by the laws and things you can now legally do? I looked at online blogs and forums to see if there was a difference between the ages of 18 and 21 to see if there was anything that made people more of an ‘adult’.
An obvious difference is how you act. Being 18 you can now drink, smoke, and others thing you couldn’t do before. Its an exciting time and I think as they haven’t been able to do these things before, they make the most of it. I know from other peoples experiences, you start partying loads when your 18 and by the time you’ve reached 21 your almost bored of it.
By 21 more people have full time jobs. Many people have part time jobs at 18, but less of a responsibility. Some people who haven’t gone to University are in careers, saving for a house, having a car on finance and other big commitments. Using the financed car as an example, you really can’t commit (or even be accepted) for such a big commitment until you are an ‘adult’.
From personal experience I can understand why 21 is an important age. I agree with the blogs I read that at 18 people are more reckless. Being allowed to go to clubs and drink for the first time was really exciting and led me to go out every weekend. I had a part time job I cared little about and I wasn’t really thinking ahead financially. I cared about having enough money to buy the things I wanted.
Now I’m 22, I do still like going out but not as often. I have a job that I work as much as I possibly can, this is because I’m thinking about the future, saving for a house, better car etc. Because of this mindset this is why 21 feels so much more grown up.
Lucy Davis 