What is “old” and “young”? Sociologists view age as a social construction, meaning it is not the number but the social environment that determines what age means. Age of marriage and other social...

What is “old” and “young”? Sociologists view age as a social construction, meaning it is not the number but the social environment that determines what age means. Age of marriage and other social expectations depends on the meanings society gives to age. Children used to be viewed as adults very early; today they are postponing adulthood until much later. Age is one of society’s major social identities and is a basis for inequality. Most inequality based on age affects either the very young or the very old. All societies divide members by age, and individuals are sorted into age cohorts, groups in which people experience similar life experiences and norms for behavior. With increased life expectancy and laws about child labor, age groups and definitions have changed. Transitions between age stages are often marked by rites of passage and other milestones, although the tasks and milestones of age groups are now blurred and have lost some meaning.