why do people refer to 20 year olds as kids and not respect them as young adults

The perception of age and maturity can vary greatly depending on cultural, societal, and individual perspectives. Here are a few reasons why some people might refer to 20-year-olds as "kids" and not respect them as young adults:

1. Cultural and Societal Norms: In many cultures and societies, adulthood is not simply defined by age but also by certain milestones such as finishing education, starting a career, getting married, or having children. If a 20-year-old has not yet achieved these milestones, they may still be seen as a "kid" or adolescent.

2. Brain Development: Scientific research has shown that the human brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning. Some people might refer to 20-year-olds as "kids" due to this ongoing brain development.

3. Experience and Wisdom: Age is often associated with experience and wisdom. Even though a 20-year-old is legally an adult, they may not have had the same breadth of life experiences as an older adult. This lack of experience can sometimes be mistaken for immaturity.

4. Paternalistic Attitudes: Some older adults may have a paternalistic attitude towards younger people, seeing them as needing guidance and protection. This can result in younger adults being treated as "kids" rather than as independent adults.

5. Language and Habit: Sometimes, it's simply a matter of habit or colloquial language use. Some people use terms like "kids" or "youngsters" to refer to anyone who is significantly younger than them, regardless of their actual age or maturity level.

It's important to note that these are general observations and may not apply to everyone. Everyone matures at their own pace, and age does not necessarily dictate maturity or capability.