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Variable Definitions of Adulthood

The point at which an individual becomes an adult is not universally fixed and can be defined in various ways. Legally, in the United States, adulthood begins at age 18. Sociologically, it is often marked by achieving milestones such as financial independence, starting a career, marriage, or having children. These definitions also vary significantly across cultures. For instance, in some societies like Malawi, individuals may take on adult roles like marriage and work as early as their mid-teens, whereas in many Western cultures, the transition to full independence is increasingly prolonged.

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Updated 2025-10-09

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