Understanding Adultism
This term describes the systematic mistreatment and discrimination of young people simply for being young.
What is adultism?
Gullette defines this as prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on age.
What is ageism?
DeJong & Love (2018) connect youth oppression to this historical system of domination.
What is colonialism?
This term means a lifelong process of self-reflection and learning about others’ cultural experiences.
What is cultural humility?
Just like adultism, this classic monster feeds on fear and control.
What is a vampire?
Bell argues that challenging adultism begins by building these types of relationships with youth.
What are positive youth–adult relationships?
Gullette (2018) calls for a coalition across generations to combat ageism at this level of society.
What is all ages (or all stages of life)?
The authors describe youth oppression as a “technology” that does this to Indigenous and colonized communities.
What is reproduces control and dependence?
Practicing cultural humility requires acknowledging this — the limits of one’s own knowledge and perspective.
What is personal bias or limitation?
This Halloween costume could unintentionally reinforce stereotypes a teachable moment for cultural humility.
What is cultural appropriation (e.g., dressing as another culture)?
According to Bell (2018), adultism mirrors this other systemic oppression in how it reinforces power hierarchies and control.
What is patriarchy (or other systemic oppression like racism or sexism)?
This negative cultural narrative fuels fear of aging and devalues older adults.
What is the “decline narrative”?
They advocate for this approach to education as a means of resistance and liberation.
What is social justice education praxis?
In family work, cultural humility emphasizes collaboration rather than this top-down dynamic.
What is paternalism or “expert” authority?
If “ghosting” were a classroom behavior, it might symbolize this dynamic in youth–adult communication.
What is avoidance or disengagement due to lack of trust or connection?
Bell emphasizes that adults can start dismantling adultism by developing this personal awareness.
What is self-reflection on one’s own adult privilege and power?
Gullette sees ageism as intertwined with these two systems of oppression.
What are sexism and capitalism?
DeJong & Love (2018) suggest that youth oppression limits young people’s capacity for this key aspect of self-determination.
What is agency (or voice)?
Cultural humility shifts focus from mastering cultural facts to building these kinds of relationships.
What are mutually respectful and accountable relationships?
A “witch hunt” in history mirrors which oppressive social dynamic discussed in your readings?
What is systemic scapegoating and control (similar to adultism/colonialism)?
The practice of inviting youth to meaningfully participate in decision-making processes helps counter this core assumption of adultism.
What is the belief that adults always know best?
Gullette’s call to action emphasizes seeing age as this — rather than a deficit.
What is a source of wisdom, resilience, or identity?
According to DeJong & Love, educators can disrupt youth oppression by centering these in their classrooms.
What are youth perspectives, experiences, and leadership?
Practicing cultural humility aligns closely with these two social justice frameworks in the readings.
What are anti-adultism and anti-ageism frameworks?
This spooky metaphor describes what happens when educators fail to see youth agency and presence in decision-making.
What is making youth invisible or “haunting” their potential?