2007-07-12 22:22:51 · 7 answers · asked by paula brax 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Nope! It hasn't always been 18 - or maybe it seems like always.
It was still 21 when I attained my adult status in 1959, so it was lowered after that. I believe a lot of it was due to pressure being brought regarding the age of entry to the Armed Forces; you could die for your Country at 18, but you couldn't vote for it.
So, prior to being 21, you could not buy property, take out a mortgage, buy anything on Hire Purchase, vote, etc.
The law allowed minors to buy only things "on credit" - but no credit cards, which were known as "necessaries" - food, clothes. You couldn't buy things from Mail Order catalogues under 21. The list is endless.
In fact back in 1960 a single woman couldn't even get a mortgage even if she was over 21 - she had to find a man who would act as guarantor. Nor could we buy things on HP even if we were married unless our husband signed the form!
2007-07-12 22:38:05 · answer #1 · answered by Veronica Alicia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1970.
Once you are 18 years old in the UK you reach the "Age of Majority" which is when the law decrees you have reached adulthood and are entitle to vote in elections.
In the UK the age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1970, closely followed by the USA, Canada, Australia & France.
2007-07-12 22:58:47 · answer #2 · answered by Carol S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age of majority in the UK was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1970.
2007-07-12 22:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by Quizard 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pulse rate in a new born baby is about 140
beats per minute. This pulse rate gradually reduces
during the Koumaaram period and settles down to it's
stable value of 76 beats per minute after the age of 24
years. Different sects in the world have different
criteria to declare a person to become a youth. The
Indian tradition says that a person becomes a youth on
his 25th birth day, taking the stable heat beat value
into consideration.
Personal Characteristics of Adulthood:
* Self-control - restraint, emotional control.
* Stability - stable personality, strength.
* Independence - ability to self-regulate.
* Seriousness - ability to deal with life in a serious manner.
* Responsibility - accountability, commitment and reliability.
* Method/Tact - ability to think ahead and plan for the future, patience.
* Endurance - ability and willingness to cope with difficulties that present themselves.
* Experience - breadth of mind, understanding.
* Objectivity - perspective and realism.
"Now many experts simply consider those markers along the way. And it appears that Americans agree. A University of Chicago survey, released earlier this year, found that most think adulthood begins at age 26".
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/10/27/national/main580303.shtml
2007-07-13 01:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by d_r_siva 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you mean by Adulthood.
Voting?
In the US it was lowered to 18 nationally in 1971 (27th Ammendment) although most states lowered it before that.
In the UK in 1969
Drinking alcohol?
Still 21 in the US
18 in UK
Have sex?
US ranges from 14 to 18
UK 16
2007-07-12 22:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i always thought you became an adult at 18. just that some people used to celebrate 21.
2007-07-12 22:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
in the uk it has always been 18. other countries it remains to be 21
2007-07-12 22:27:46 · answer #7 · answered by James Ed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋