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The Age of Consent: Unlocking the Secrets of Adulthood

Bernard Powell

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Published in The Age Of Consent George Monbiot

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In his groundbreaking book, The Age of Consent, George Monbiot argues that the traditional age of 18 is no longer appropriate for adulthood and should be raised to 21. Monbiot draws on a wealth of research to show that the human brain is not fully developed until the early 20s, and that young people under the age of 21 are more likely to make impulsive decisions and engage in risky behaviors. He also argues that the current age of consent laws are out of step with the realities of modern life, and that they need to be reformed to reflect the changing nature of adolescence.

Monbiot's book is a timely and provocative challenge to our traditional assumptions about adulthood. He offers a new perspective on the responsibilities and freedoms that we grant to young people, and his arguments are sure to spark debate.

The Age of Consent

by George Monbiot

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	504 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	288 pages
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The Science of Brain Development

One of the most important arguments in Monbiot's book is that the human brain is not fully developed until the early 20s. This means that young people under the age of 21 are more likely to make impulsive decisions and engage in risky behaviors. This is because the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control, is not fully developed until the early 20s.

Monbiot cites a number of studies that show that young people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors than adults. For example, one study found that young people are more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol, while another study found that young people are more likely to engage in unprotected sex.

These findings suggest that raising the age of adulthood to 21 would help to reduce the number of young people who engage in risky behaviors. This would lead to a number of benefits, including fewer car accidents, fewer sexually transmitted infections, and fewer pregnancies.

The Changing Nature of Adolescence

Another important argument in Monbiot's book is that the nature of adolescence has changed in recent years. In the past, adolescence was a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. However, today, adolescence is often a time of extended dependence on parents. This is due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of education and the increasing difficulty of finding a job.

The changing nature of adolescence means that the traditional age of 18 is no longer appropriate for adulthood. Young people today are not as mature as they were in the past, and they need more time to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful adults.

The Problem with the Current Age of Consent Laws

The current age of consent laws are out of step with the realities of modern life. In most states, the age of consent is 18. However, this means that young people under the age of 18 can legally consent to sex with adults. This is a problem because young people under the age of 21 are not fully capable of understanding the risks of sex and making informed decisions about their sexual activity.

Monbiot argues that the age of consent should be raised to 21. This would help to protect young people from sexual abuse and exploitation, and it would also help to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.

In The Age of Consent, George Monbiot argues that the traditional age of 18 is no longer appropriate for adulthood and should be raised to 21. Monbiot draws on a wealth of research to show that the human brain is not fully developed until the early 20s, and that young people under the age of 21 are more likely to make impulsive decisions and engage in risky behaviors. He also argues that the current age of consent laws are out of step with the realities of modern life, and that they need to be reformed to reflect the changing nature of adolescence.

The Age of Consent

by George Monbiot

4.4 out of 5