In age stratification, why might children be ranked lower than adults?

The ranking of children lower than adults in age stratification is primarily due to the fact that children possess fewer legal rights. This lack of rights signifies their limited autonomy and agency within society. For example, children are often seen as dependents who are not allowed to make decisions about their own welfare, health, or education. This legal framework reinforces a power dynamic where adults are regarded as the decision-makers responsible for the care and oversight of children.

In many societies, legal systems recognize adults as individuals who hold the ability to engage in contracts, vote, and make significant life decisions independently. Conversely, children are protected and restricted by various laws designed to safeguard their welfare, which inherently diminishes their status in terms of societal hierarchy. This distinction contributes to the understanding of age stratification—the social ranking based on age groups—where adults hold a position of authority and decision-making, while children are relegated to a more subordinate status due to their developing capacities and limited rights.