Child and adult are two terms that are used to identify two stages of human beings in the society and thus, the primary difference between the two words are related to the demarcation of the two stages. A child is a young human being, probably under the age of 18. An adult, on the other hand, is a fully grown human being. In the society, the adults have much more responsibility towards the others and themselves as well. This is mainly because of their independent status. Children do not have a similar status as they are dependent on others and are still going through the socialization process. Through this article, let us examine the differences between a child and an adult.
Who is a Child?
A child is a young human being. According to the United Nations definition, a child is a human being under the age of 18. However, biologically speaking, an individual can be considered a child only until puberty. Nevertheless, in most countries, a person who is under the age of 18 is considered a child. In every society, children are given prominence because it is these children who become the citizens of the society one day.
A child usually lives with his parents and relatives, in foster care or similar setting. It is the societal belief that a child is unable to take important decisions alone, as he lacks general awareness of society and has less experience. Children should not be treated as the same as adults and should be loved and cared for. According to Psychologists, childhood is an important stage in the overall development of an individual not only physically, but also mentally, socially, and also emotionally. The development of a child occurs through the formal and informal education that he receives both within the premises of the school and also at home and his surrounding environment.
Who is an Adult?
An adult can be understood as a fully grown person. In different cultures, adulthood is viewed in different ways. Biologically, once a human being reaches puberty, that individual is considered as an adult. In some tribes, a person who goes through a rite of passage is considered as adult. Unlike in the case of a child, an adult is a full citizen who has a variety of duties and responsibilities in different social institutions.
An adult, for instance, such as a mother or father can even be responsible for another human being (a child). Adults, unlike children, can live alone. They are independent and can take decisions for themselves. Most adults are employed and financially independent as well. They have many legal rights such as in the case of voting, getting married, etc. As you can see, the status and the roles of an adult is different to that of a child.
What is the difference between Adult and Child?
Definitions of Adult and Child:
Child: A child is a young human being under the age of 18.
Adult: An adult can be understood as a fully grown person.
Characteristics of Adult and Child:
Age:
Child: A child is under the age of 18.
Adult: An adult is over 18.
Independent vs Dependent:
Child: A child is dependent.
Adult: An adult is independent.
Decisions:
Child: A child cannot take serious decisions by himself.
Adult: An adult can take serious decisions by himself.
Living Arrangements:
Child: A child lives with a family or in foster care.
Adult: An adult can live alone.
Rights:
Child: A child is denied certain legal rights such as right to vote, marry, etc. (However, there are exceptions to this rule such as in some cultures where child marriages take place.)
Adult: An adult enjoys certain legal rights such as right to vote, marry, etc.
Images Courtesy: Child and Woman via Pixabay (Public Domain)