Adult-prioritizing

Adult-prioritizing describes a system, policy, or environment that consciously or unconsciously favors the needs, preferences, and perspectives of adults over those of children, adolescents, or other groups. This can manifest in various ways, from the allocation of resources and decision-making processes to the design of spaces and the framing of societal norms. It often stems from an assumption that adult perspectives are inherently more valuable or that adult needs should take precedence due to their perceived economic contributions, legal responsibilities, or level of experience. While not always malicious, adult-prioritizing can lead to marginalization and disadvantage for non-adult populations and can create environments that are less inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of all members of society. This prioritization often neglects or downplays the importance of children's development, well-being, and rights. It may occur within families, schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, or broader societal structures.

Adult-prioritizing meaning with examples

• The city council's decision to build a new parking garage instead of a much-needed children's playground was criticized as adult-prioritizing, reflecting a focus on economic benefits for adults over the recreational needs of children. The lack of public transportation options near schools and playgrounds, prioritizing adult commuters, further emphasized this bias.
• The school board's policy of implementing standardized testing with minimal consideration for its impact on student mental health was viewed as adult-prioritizing, valuing adult measures of academic success and school performance above the students' well-being and individual learning needs.
• A healthcare system that prioritizes adult patients with serious illnesses, allocating the majority of resources to them while neglecting pediatric preventative care or adolescent mental health services, exemplifies adult-prioritizing in its resource allocation strategy, hindering long-term well-being.
• Workplace policies that mandate long hours and disregard the needs of parents, particularly in situations without adequate family leave or childcare support, are examples of adult-prioritizing behavior. It indirectly excludes or disadvantages employees with caregiving responsibilities in favor of adult workers.
• The design of a new urban development, which features high-rise apartments with limited green spaces and no dedicated play areas, reveals an adult-prioritizing approach, where aesthetics for adults overshadow any consideration for children's developmental needs and outdoor engagement.