New Books in Popular Culture Keith J. Hayward, "Infantilised: How Our Culture Killed Adulthood" (Constable & Robinson, 2025)
Apr 11, 2025
Keith Hayward, Professor of Criminology and cultural theorist, discusses how adult autonomy has eroded across media, education, and politics. He traces causes like advertising, social media, and therapeutic schooling. He examines political infantilism, the blurring of life stages, and offers ten rules and practical steps to reclaim adult roles.
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Culturally Induced Infantilization Is Widespread
- Culturally induced infantilization means adults are being treated and acting younger for longer.
- Keith Hayward traced the feeling from childish advertising to pervasive motifs that pushed him to research and write a full-length book.
Life Stage Dissolution Blurs Age Boundaries
- Life stage dissolution mixes childhood and adulthood so tastes and behaviors converge across ages.
- Hayward uses 'generational mulching' to describe adults staying youthful while children are exposed earlier to adult concerns.
Multiple Adulthood Markers Are Delayed
- Demographic markers of adulthood like financial independence, leaving home, finishing education, and parenthood are all occurring later.
- Hayward cites demography showing multiple markers—not just marriage—are pushed back markedly.
