A Critique of Laurence Steinberg
“The Case for Delayed Adulthood”
In the past two decades one of the most popular trends has been the delayed entry of young people into adulthood. Laurence Steinberg states, “according to large-scale national studies conducted since the late 1970’s, it has taken longer for this generation to finish school, establish financial independents, marry and have children.” Todays generation compared to previous generations are too dependent and rely on their parents for enormous amounts of help and support. Some people believe that the deferred transition from adolescence to adulthood is healthy and effective for the brain while others tend to disagree. Steinberg thinks, “Prolonged adolescence, in the right circumstances, is actually a good thing, for it fosters novelty seeking and the acquisition of new skills.” I agree with Steinberg saying that the late entrance to adulthood in the right circumstances can help you.
Steinberg states, “Studies reveal adolescence to be a period of heightened plasticity during which the human brain is highly influenced by experience.” Adolescence is a time when young people can learn a lot and are highly influenced by others around them and their experiences. Also, people can become overwhelmed when they are in hard situations and don’t know what to do. As we enter adulthood the brain becomes less plastic and is hardly influenced by others around them and ones experiences. According to Steinberg evolution placed a limit on how long the brain can retain adolescence. The exposure to challenges is very important when the brain is plastic because it helps us strengthen skills and also this is how the brain improves its ability to profit from experiences in the future. Those who can extend adolescence have an advantage over those who cannot as long as the environment provides continued stimulation and increasing challenges. (The Case for Delayed Adulthood)
I agree with Steinberg that adolescence to...