France sets age of consent to 15 years old, most of Europe age of consent 14-16

[Prowler]

Originally Posted by plastroncafe

While true, in terms of the meanings of the words themselves, the legal definition changes depending on local statute. In some place everyone under 18 is considered a child.

The definition of adult has also changed throughout history. Throughout most of history I bet 15 year old boys were already seen as adults and were expected to fight in war. Not to mention life expectancy on average was much lower several centuries ago. hell, even in the first half of the 20th century the life expectancy rates on average were much lower than they are now. If you were unlucky to get tuberculosis or something like that, you'd most likely die.

For the record, many women who are now 80-90 years old probably got married when they were 15-16 years old to men in their 20s. I remember this girl telling me once that her great grandmother was 15 when she married her husband, who was like 29-30 already. This was in like 1920 though. Obviously nowadays that wouldn't be allowed.

I guess back then, since life was harder and people began working very early(lots of older people I know began working at the age of 9-10 or so. My grandmother started working after she finished 4th grade for example), so I guess they matured faster as well? Nowadays it's not uncommon to find people in developed countries who are 25 years old and still haven't worked a day in their live.s back in the first half of the 20th century that'd have been pretty much impossible. Also most men went to war or served in the army back then and going to war back then was way more dangerous and you were highly likely to die. Nowadays if France or USA send soldiers to the Middle East they expect pretty much every single one of them to come back home alive and well. And needless to say, most developed nations no longer have compulsory military service.

Originally Posted by Sumac

Age of consent in general meant to legally protect teenagers from creepy adults, not from having romances with each other. IMO, there is nothing wrong with young people starting sexual life in 14-15 years old. Starting families and having kids is another matter altogether.

Naturally, romance between, say 18 years old and 30 years old still might be considered creepy, even if it is not illegal according to law.

Well most people begin dating and having sex in their late teens, I suppose, but it's usually among each other and not with people much older than them.