Dominant Role Takes Independence Impact Of Ageism
Respond to at least two colleagues with a comparison of how adultism and ageism affects the Logan and Parker families. In your comparison, draw specifically on your colleagues’ analysis with any further details that support or critique your colleagues’ posts. Also, be sure to provide specific examples related to both the Logan and Parker families.
COLLEAGUE 1: Jacqueline
Adultism is the assumption that young people are not as good, or worthy of their perspectives being respected, as adults are. This is supported by laws, attitudes, and customs in society today (Adams et al, p.553, 2018). These acts and customs vary based on gender, culture, class, religion, etc. This is not to be confused with adults disciplining or giving guidance to their children, it is when the acts lead to mistreatment and disrespect. Adultism leads to adults completely discrediting the thoughts and feelings of young people.
In the Logan case both of Eboni’s parents exhibit adultism pertaining to her revealing to them that she is pregnant. Darlene, Eboni’s mom, called her an offensive name after finding out that Eboni was pregnant (Plummer, Markis, & Brocksen, p.9, 2014). Classism influenced Eboni’s mother’s reaction as well because she was a teen mother and has had to struggle economically as a result. Religion played a part in Eboni’s father’s use of adultism. He attempted to use his religious beliefs to guild her into keeping the baby. In addition, he broke her trust and confidentiality by telling the priest that she was pregnant.
As a side note: I really wish the case told us her decision to keep or terminate the baby, I was very interested to see what it would be.
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Catalano, D. C. J., DeJong, K., Hackman, H. W,…
Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2018). Readings for diversity and social justice (4th ed.). New York,
NY: Routledge Press.
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: Case histories.
Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
COLLEAGUE 2: Jasmine
The oppression of youth is called adultism. Adultism intersects with other forms of oppression such as racism, classism, and sexism (Adams et. al., 2018). Minority youth such as Black and Latino/a youth are subject to even more oppression as they are often poor and are not granted the same access to medical and psychological treatment as their White counterparts sexism (Adams et. al., 2018).
In the Logan case, Eboni Logan is a 16-year-old pregnant teen who is conflicted about her options and decisions on carrying full term, termination of pregnancy, and adoption. Eboni’s grandmother May, made a doctor’s appointment to ensure that she is actually pregnant. Eboni’s mother, Darlene insists that she gets an abortion because she is too young and Eboni’s father Anthony, says she must keep it because abortion is a sin that is murder. When Eboni met with the school social worker, she asked the social worker what should she do about her situation. The social worker stated she cannot tell Eboni what to do, she can only educate her on options.
According to Adams et. al., youth are taught to perform in subordinate roles which make them the target while adults play the role of the dominant as the agent. These roles teach youth that the dominant roles are expected to speak and make decisions for them sexism (Adams et. al., 2018). The dominant role takes independence away from the agent when speaking and trusting themselves when making decisions. The amount of power in these roles create inequalities which manifest as subordination and oppression of youth because they are taught to believe the dominant decision is the best decision sexism (Adams et. al., 2018). This is an example of why Eboni thought the social worker could tell her what to do in this situation because she has been conditioned to think her decisions are not valid and worthy.
References
Adams, M., Blumenfeld, W. J., Castaneda, C., Catalano, D. C. J., DeJong, K., Hackman, H. W,… Zuniga, X. (Eds.). (2018). Readings for diversity and social justice (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Press.
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].