Addressing Adultism: Understanding Its Implications and Consequences

Adultism, a less-discussed yet pervasive form of prejudice, can have profound effects on both individuals and society at large. Adultism, the power adults hold over children and the bias in favor of adults and against young people, shapes our attitudes, laws, and social norms. This article delves into the concept of adultism, its impact on young individuals and society, and the necessary steps toward mitigating this form of discrimination.

Understanding Adultism

Adultism refers to the systemic bias that favors adults and disadvantages young people. It manifests in various ways, from societal structures and policies to everyday interactions, fostering an environment that disempowers young people and restricts their participation in decision-making processes.

Institutionalized Adultism

Institutionalized adultism refers to the systemic bias embedded in our institutions, laws, and societal structures that favor adults. This can manifest in schools, families, and legal systems where adults make decisions that directly impact young people, often without their input or consent.

Cultural Adultism

Cultural adultism refers to the norms, values, and traditions that propagate adult superiority and youth inferiority. This might include language use that diminishes young people's experiences or media portrayals that stereotype and trivialize youth.

Internalized Adultism

Internalized adultism occurs when young people absorb the negative messages about their own age group and start to believe in their own inferiority. This can lead to self-doubt, lowered self-esteem, and diminished sense of agency.

The Implications of Adultism

The effects of adultism are far-reaching, affecting individuals and society on multiple levels.

Impacts on Individuals

Adultism can significantly impact young people's self-esteem and confidence. When their voices are consistently dismissed or invalidated, they may begin to question their worth and capabilities. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Societal Consequences

On a societal level, adultism can hinder young people's development and contributions. It prevents them from fully participating in society, impacting their ability to influence decisions that affect their lives and stifering innovation and progress that could emerge from their unique perspectives.

Steps Towards Addressing Adultism

Addressing adultism requires efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions.

Fostering Respectful Communication

Promoting respectful communication between adults and young people is essential. This involves actively listening to young people, validating their experiences, and involving them in decisions that affect them.

Empowering Youth

Empowerment initiatives can provide young people with the tools and platforms to express their opinions, make decisions, and influence change. This could include youth-led initiatives, mentorship programs, or inclusive decision-making processes.

Institutional Changes

Institutions need to review and revise policies, practices, and structures that perpetuate adultism. This may involve implementing child rights-based approaches, creating youth-inclusive policies, or ensuring representation of young people in decision-making roles.

Final Thoughts

Adultism, deeply entrenched in our societal structures and norms, can significantly impact young people and the broader society. By fostering respectful communication, empowering youth, and implementing institutional changes, we can begin to address this form of bias, promoting a more equitable, inclusive society where individuals of all ages can thrive.

Grouport Offers Online Group Therapy & Online DBT Skills Group

Grouport Therapy provides online group therapy for anger management, anxiety, borderline personality, chronic illness, depression, dialectical behavior therapy, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues and trauma and PTSD. Our licensed therapist leads weekly group sessions conducted remotely in the comfort of members' homes. According to participant feedback, 70% experienced significant improvements within 8 weeks.

You don't have to face these challenges alone. Join our community and work together towards a brighter future. Sign up for one of our courses today and begin your journey towards meaningful, lasting change and renewed hope.

Due to licensing restrictions, our online group therapy sessions are for Florida, New York, and New Jersey residents. If you are not a resident of either state, consider our dialectical behavior therapy skills group. It is a therapist-instructor-led online group that will teach you strategic new skills to replace behaviors and emotions causing friction in your daily life and relationships. It is excellent for interpersonal connections and building social skills concerning relationship issues.

Join a Group Support Session

We offer online group therapy, & each group has a personalized program of guidance, support, skills, and advice developed by our therapists.

Find my groupFind my groupFind my group

Space is limited, so reserve your seat today.