Thinking about Western Culture, particularly in the United States, there has been ages placed as markers for legal status. For example (in most states), one must be 16 to obtain a driver’s license, 18 to be considered an adult and able to buy tobacco, some firearms, and sign legally binding contracts, and 21 to purchase and consume alcohol. Is this a good practice? Are these ages appropriate? Are there alternatives to this practice that should be explored? Do these ages actually mark some level of competence and maturity? Explain your position in detail and back your argument with at least 5 peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles (that are related to Psychology, not politics). Remember, you are analyzing the situation from a developmental psychological perspective and using facts to back your answer.
