who classifies as a 'Woman'?

[healthybeing]

Hi.

I was just wondering- when does a woman enter womanhood? I know that technically, it is when she is no longer a virgin, but i know 13 year-olds who act more like women than their mothers! They have a greater sense of responsibility and have a maturity to them that some 'women' don't at age 40. So again, what classifies a female as a woman- besides her hymen! Is it the amount of responsibilities she has, how society sees her, her age..what? or is there no specific criteria?

thanx!

[healthybeing]

Thank you for replying Doctor.

Well, a friend of mine who's 21  is married and recently had a kid. SO I went to congratulate her, and as I looked at her carrying her newborn, I realized I was looking at a kid carrying a kid. I am not married yet, but believe to be more of a woman she is right now. I'm not judging her or anything, I think she'll be a great mom, but I was just curious.

Thanx again!

[Jason Greenberg, Ph.D.]

Your question is a complicated one -- as you mentioned at the end of your question, there is no specific or agreed upon criteria.  Some might argue that losing one's virginity doesn't qualify you as a woman, but rather "a girl who has lost her virginity."  Some would argue it has to do with age, others about biological development, and others would say that the idea of "woman" is completely socially constructed.  What makes you ask?