Abstract

GUERREIRO, Maria das Dores  and  ABRANTES, Pedro. How to become an adult: transicional processes in advanced modernity. Rev. bras. Ci. Soc. [online]. 2005, vol.20, n.58, pp. 157-175. ISSN 0102-6909.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-69092005000200008.

This article seeks to analyze the ways in which the young people become adults in advanced modern societies. The conclusions presented here are based on a Europe-wide research project that not only involved theoretical and statistical research but also individual and group interviews with young people belonging to different social backgrounds and representing distinct life situations. The intention was to reconstruct practices and representations, life histories and conditions, and plans for and expectations of the future. In the search for an understanding of where young people of both sexes - with different social backgrounds and educational and quantificational levels - stand with regard to work and the family, typical modes of transition to adult life were identified.

Keywords : Transition to adult life; Generations; Work and family.