| It's not just about arbitrary standards. The issue with sex that early is, like it or not, there is a connection between sex and reproduction. So think along the unintended consequences: 12 year old parents.
At 18, one should be done with the basic education to get a job and support the family. Sure, that job is probably going to be blue-collar, but it still works.
At 16, some might be ready for the work force, but most are not. Most can barely support themselves, much less a family. You have to think along the lines of most in setting standards. So it's too early.
At 12, they just aren't ready to support themselves and of course unable to support a family.
So you set the standard where it works, or change education so that most people are ready for at least a good blue-collar job by the time they are 12. Then you consider them adults, and let them buy houses and drive cars and work as adults.
I don't know if 12 year old are potentially that mature if put under a different system of development, but it doesn't matter what the potential is when setting standards. You set them based on actual and they are actually not that mature under the actual system of development. |