<p>A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_majority" rel="nofollow">cursory search</a> strongly suggests that the distinction is arbitrary and practical, with little link to developmental science.</p>

<p>I can find no evidence for any particularly compelling biological change centered around the age of 18.  That, along with the fact that the age of eighteen is <em>not</em> a universal age-of-majority, makes me say that there is no scientific basis for the choice.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-06-08T14:47:57.697Z
2014-06-09T01:47:45.103Z
2014-06-09T01:47:45.103Z
Louis Thibault
<p>The <strong>age of eighteen</strong> is an age that in many societies gives rise to various additional rights and responsibilities.</p>

<ul>
<li>Is there a scientific reason for assigning such right and responsibilities at the age of 18?</li>
<li>What are some of reasons and history for this convention?</li>
</ul>

<developmental-psychology>
Is there a psychological explanation for the age of 18 being important in many societies?
Fereydoon Shekofte
# Is there a psychological explanation for the age of 18 being important in many societies?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2014-06-08)

The **age of eighteen** is an age that in many societies gives rise to various additional rights and responsibilities.

* Is there a scientific reason for assigning such right and responsibilities at the age of 18?
* What are some of reasons and history for this convention?

**Tags:** developmental-psychology


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2014-06-08. Score: 3 | Accepted answer

A [cursory search](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_majority) strongly suggests that the distinction is arbitrary and practical, with little link to developmental science.

I can find no evidence for any particularly compelling biological change centered around the age of 18. That, along with the fact that the age of eighteen is *not* a universal age-of-majority, makes me say that there is no scientific basis for the choice.


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