Age norms and the structure of consciousness: some final comments

Taken together, the foregoing articles attest to general agreement in people's perceptions about the appropriate ages for filling major social roles. Although not discussed specifically, I note that both the existence of such age norms and acceptance of a range of ages considered appropriate for entering and leaving key roles have broad implications: for understanding age as a key element in social structures and the potential for changes in age structuring in the society.