In the span of a few generations, significant cultural, economic, and demographic changes have altered the path that many young adults follow as they strive for the traditional milestones of adulthood. The Network is both documenting these significant shifts and exploring how young adults, their families, government, and social institutions might adapt to better meet the needs of young adults in the 21st century.

A few decades ago, the steps toward adulthood followed a predictable sequence. Youth left home after graduating high school, went to college or trade school or the military, entered the workforce, married, and started a family, largely in that order, and often by age 25. Today, the sequence is more hopscotch, and considerably protracted.

New Book by Network on whether economic factors are delaying transition to adultood-- The Price of Independence

Why the transition is protracted stems from a complex combination of factors, from changes in the job market, to greater demands for education, changing ideas on marriage and childbearing, changing expectations of youth and their parents, and the changing demographics of young adults.

The MacArthur Network on Transitions to Adulthood has explored all of these, Click Here to learn what we know.

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