Adultcentrism is a system of oppression that favors adults and their views, often at the expense of the well-being of children.
Disclaimer: This article is written by a neurodivergent, queer, racialized, intersectional feminist mother. The views expressed below do not necessarily reflect those of Fuckup Inc as an organization.
Here’s a question about childhood that might be triggering for many of us: growing up, did you ever feel like the adults in your life truly didn’t think you were capable enough? Or like your views and feelings weren’t taken into account at school or at home?
This bias that we adults have towards children and teens is completely unacknowledged. It’s left hidden in plain sight, fueled by a societal narrative that says adults always know best. But truth be told, wisdom is not the sole preserve of the aged. Children and teenagers have insights, opinions, and ideas that are valuable and deserve to be heard and taken into account in decision-making processes within families and governments.
The first step to overcoming an obstacle is to understand it. Adultcentrism is a system of oppression that favors adults and their views, often at the expense of the well-being of children and adolescents. It is deeply rooted in society; it is a silent player in the background that influences decisions, norms and public policies.
Now,adultcentrism isn't just some modern-day phenomenon; it has been deeply rooted in our historical and cultural background. In the Middle Ages, for instance, a charming mix of religious dogma and social structures played their part in the adult-centric saga. The church, in its infinite wisdom, declared that children were born tainted with sin, mere vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge and virtue. Talk about a self-esteem booster, huh?
Meanwhile, feudal societies were all about primogeniture, where the eldest son got the lion's share of everything. This created a culture that valued the opinions and experiences of the older generation over that of the younger, perpetuating the adult-centric merry-go-round.
And what about culture? From literature to art, music to movies, we've been bombarded with the idea that adults are the gatekeepers of knowledge, taste, and wisdom. Remember all those wise old wizards in fantasy novels, dispensing advice like a fortune cookie? Or those paintings of stern-faced elders, wrinkled with wisdom? Kinda off unsurprising that we started believing that age is synonymous with intellectual superiority.
Picture this: a classroom where students are expected to conform to rigid rules set by the adults, without any room for their own thoughts and opinions. It's like they're just supposed to sit quietly, absorb information, and regurgitate it on a test.
The education system, in addition to culture, has played a pivotal role in perpetuating adultcentrism. From kindergarten to college, it's often structured to prioritize the needs and perspectives of adults. We see it when teachers assume that their way of teaching is the only way. They often forget that learning is a two-way street and that being obedient and quiet doesn’t mean the students are interested in the topic.
We've been spoon-fed a curriculum that's been decided by a bunch of grown-ups who may or may not be in touch with the diverse realities of children. Grades, tests, and behaviorism have been put in place in service of the adults' convenience, not in service of the present and future needs of children.
This is when things get really interesting. We don't know about you, but when it comes to public policies that affect our lives, we believe it's only fair to be part of those decisions. When policy makers do not take into account the needs and rights of children and teens, they undermine their human rights.
Case studies have revealed that when young voices are excluded, policies can become detached from reality. Furthermore, leaving kids and teens out of the decision-making process can create an atmosphere of apathy and disengagement.
Think about it: if you're constantly being told that your voice doesn't matter, why would you even bother caring about what's happening around you? It's like telling someone to play a game but not giving them a voice in the rules. It's a sure way to annihilate enthusiasm and breed disconnection and apathy for what's going on in a supposedly democratic society.
We are not just talking, there are real case studies that support this assertion. These studies have shown that when children and adolescents are included in the development of public policies, not only do they benefit, but more effective and inclusive policies are also achieved. It is a win-win situation for everyone.
It is crucial to empower children and adolescents by giving them a platform to be heard, because let's face it, we "grown-ups" rarely have all the answers. The reality is that we often improvise and fake it 'til we make it. And besides, how else are children and teens supposed to learn to develop critical thinking skills if we never give them the opportunity to practice making decisions in this society?
While it is important to discuss these issues, it is even more important to talk about some inspiring examples of organizations that are breaking free from adult-centric structures.
As a first example we can mention the Not Impossible Foundation. These guys are all about using technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. And the best part? They don't just think about what adults want or need but also tap into the creativity and imagination of kids. They hold these amazing "hackathons" where children and adults team up to come up with mind-blowing, innovative solutions. Because who says only adults have all the good ideas?!
There's also TiLT Parenting, a community and resource hub for parents with neurodivergent and disabled kids. This organization throws out all the traditional parenting manuals and embraces a more vulnerable and supportive approach. They focus on the strengths of these children and encourage parents to do the same. It's like a breath of fresh air in a world that often puts pressure on children to fit into ableist/capitalist molds.
And finally, we can't forget about Kids Rule. In a world where children are often seen but rarely heard, this organization has paved the way for a youth-led revolution. Kids Rule flips the script by putting children in charge of decision-making processes. Imagine a boardroom filled with tiny, but fiercely intelligent, CEOs! By giving children a platform to voice their ideas and opinions, Kids Rule is turning traditional hierarchies upside down and teaching us that wisdom is not exclusive to the gray-haired.
This is just a taste of the inspiring organizations out there breaking free from adult-centric structures. These groups remind us that creativity, vulnerability, and a willingness to think outside the box can lead to incredible innovations and positive change.
Let's talk about something that seems to be missing from our lives these days: intergenerational collaboration. This is an awesome opportunity for different generations to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
We've become so focused on our own age groups and social circles that we often forget about the wisdom and perspective that can be gained from those who have come before us, or those who are just starting out on this crazy rollercoaster called life. But why should we limit our learning opportunities to people who are exactly our age or older? Not to sound too radical but children and teenagers are people too, right?
Let's be realistic for a moment: we could all use a little more vulnerability. Opening ourselves up to collaborating with different generations means being willing to step out of our comfort zones and explore new ideas. Sure, it might feel a bit strange at first to have conversations with people who have experienced life in a completely different era, but trust me, it's worth it.
Conclusion
Each individual's agency and ideas warrant respect, so age should hold no bearing. We can shape a society that exults in diversity and wholeheartedly acknowledges the valuable viewpoints each age group brings to the table.
Yet, transforming the status quo isn't without its challenges. Confronting deep-rooted societal norms and biases might indeed feel overwhelming. However, if we work interdependently, collaboratively, and with compassion for ourselves and others, we can propel change. Our collective future hinges upon this transformation, or aren’t children and teenagers the future anymore?
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Edited by
Shanti Banus
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