O presente estudo investigou a transição para a vida adulta em jovens de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos (NSE) no sul do Brasil, e objetivou identificar a existência ou não do fenômeno chamado adultez emergente (AE) no sul país. A amostra foi composta de 547 jovens, residentes em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, entre 18 e 29 anos (M = 22 anos; IQ = 19-26), 196 (35,8%) homens, e 351 (64.2%) mulheres; de NSE baixo (n = 194, 35.5%) e alto (n = 353, 64,5%). O primeiro conjunto de estudos foi composto por análises estatísticas uni e multivariadas (Análise Fatorial, MANCOVA, e Regressões Múltiplas Moderadas). Os inventários examinados, IDEA e FESA, apresentaram nova estrutura fatorial, associadas a influências do contexto brasileiro e à necessidade de revisão das medidas originais. A AE mostrou-se mais provável de ocorrer em contextos de NSE alto. O grupo de NSE baixo apresentou tendência a assumir responsabilidades adultas precocemente, o que dificulta a experimentação de um período mais exploratório de suas identidades. A dimensão Foco em si mesmo na amostra brasileira foi associada com o processo gradual dos participantes construírem uma base para sua vida adulta; e também a uma orientação mais individualista. A análise temática desenvolvida no estudo qualitativo identificou a presença das cinco principais características da AE e sua dimensão oposta, Foco nos outros, na amostra. Indivíduos de NSE alto descreveram uma transição para a vida adulta em harmonia com o que é observado em outros países industrializados. Indivíduos de NSE baixo apresentaram uma tendência diferente. A oportunidade de serem Focados em si mesmos e investirem na Exploração de sua identidade aconteceriam após um período de Foco nos outros. / The present study investigated the transition to adulthood in Southern Brazilians from differing SES and aimed to examine whether or not the phenomenon of EA exists in the country. The sample included 547 individuals; residents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, between 18 and 29 years old (M = 22 years; IQR = 19-26), 196 (35.8%) males, and 351 (64.2%) females, of low (n = 194, 35.5%) and high SES (n = 353, 64.5%). The first set of studies was composed of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis (Factor Analysis, MANCOVA, and Moderatared Multiple Regressions). The inventories examined, IDEA and FESA, presented a new factor structure, associated with Brazilian contextual influences and the necessity of reviewing the original measures. The EA phenomenon was more likely to be present in HSES contexts in Brazil. The LSES group trend to assuming adult responsibilities earlier blocks their opportunities of exploring diverse fields. The dimension Self-focused in the Southern Brazilian sample was associated with participants’ gradual process of building a foundation to adulthood, and also with a more individualistic orientation. The thematic analysis developed in the qualitative study identified the presence of the five main EA features and its counterpart, Other-focused in the sample. HSES individuals were more likely to experience the EA features in harmony with this transition in industrialized countries. LSES individuals presented a divergent trend. Their opportunity to be Self-focused and invest in their Identity Exploration would happen after an Other-focused period.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O presente trabalho consiste em um estudo de caso exploratório acerca das formas de transição para a vida adulta entre jovens das classes populares. Busca-se compreender se e de que maneira as desigualdades territoriais em localidades periféricas, como São Gonçalo, podem expressar desigualdades nas formas de se vivenciar a juventude. Uma das principais hipóteses explicita que morar nos distritos extremos desse município influencia a forma como os jovens se reconhecem, se projetam e se apropriam dos espaços da cidade, tornando a dimensão territorial um dos elementos influenciadores na construção de suas trajetórias. A metodologia utilizada envolve: inicialmente, uma revisão bibliográfica dos conceitos chaves de juventude, transição e território; em seguida, a caracterização do município e diálogo com dados secundários sobre o banco de dados da pesquisa suporte, fornecendo-nos os critérios para a escolha dos entrevistados; logo, as análises das quatorze entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com jovens dos dois grupos de distritos extremos. Ao final, fica claro, dentre outras constatações, que há influencia do território sobre modos de vida distintos entre os jovens, nos permitindo caracterizá-los a partir de elementos comuns ("jovens de fronteira", "jovens enraizados" e "jovens híbridos") e mostrando que apenas certa configuração de condições(englobando tipos de escola, trabalho, circulação, forma de divertimento, etc.), disponível para alguns, permite a busca por romper com a circunscrição ao território de residência. / This work consists of an exploratory case study on the forms of transition to adulthood among youngsters from the popular classes. We seek to understand whether and how the territorial inequalities in peripheral locations such as São Gonçalo can express inequalities in the ways of experiencing youth. One of the main hypotheses explicit that living in extreme districts of that city influences the way young people recognize, project and appropriate themselves of the city spaces, making the territorial dimension one of the influencing elements in the construction of their trajectories. The methodology involves initially, a literature review of key concepts of youth, transition and territory; then, the characterization of the municipality and dialogue with secondary data on the database of the support research, providing us the criteria for the choice of interviewees; therefore, the analysis of fourteen semi-structured interviews with young people of the two extreme groups of districts. At the end, it is clear, among other findings, that there are influences of the territory on the distinct lifestyles among young people, what allowed us characterizing them by common elements ("border youngsters", "rooted youngsters" and "hybrid youngsters") and showing that only certain configuration of conditions (including types of school, work, movement, form of entertainment, etc..), available for some, allows the search for breaking with the territory of residence circumscription.

O presente estudo investigou a transição para a vida adulta em jovens de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos (NSE) no sul do Brasil, e objetivou identificar a existência ou não do fenômeno chamado adultez emergente (AE) no sul país. A amostra foi composta de 547 jovens, residentes em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, entre 18 e 29 anos (M = 22 anos; IQ = 19-26), 196 (35,8%) homens, e 351 (64.2%) mulheres; de NSE baixo (n = 194, 35.5%) e alto (n = 353, 64,5%). O primeiro conjunto de estudos foi composto por análises estatísticas uni e multivariadas (Análise Fatorial, MANCOVA, e Regressões Múltiplas Moderadas). Os inventários examinados, IDEA e FESA, apresentaram nova estrutura fatorial, associadas a influências do contexto brasileiro e à necessidade de revisão das medidas originais. A AE mostrou-se mais provável de ocorrer em contextos de NSE alto. O grupo de NSE baixo apresentou tendência a assumir responsabilidades adultas precocemente, o que dificulta a experimentação de um período mais exploratório de suas identidades. A dimensão Foco em si mesmo na amostra brasileira foi associada com o processo gradual dos participantes construírem uma base para sua vida adulta; e também a uma orientação mais individualista. A análise temática desenvolvida no estudo qualitativo identificou a presença das cinco principais características da AE e sua dimensão oposta, Foco nos outros, na amostra. Indivíduos de NSE alto descreveram uma transição para a vida adulta em harmonia com o que é observado em outros países industrializados. Indivíduos de NSE baixo apresentaram uma tendência diferente. A oportunidade de serem Focados em si mesmos e investirem na Exploração de sua identidade aconteceriam após um período de Foco nos outros. / The present study investigated the transition to adulthood in Southern Brazilians from differing SES and aimed to examine whether or not the phenomenon of EA exists in the country. The sample included 547 individuals; residents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, between 18 and 29 years old (M = 22 years; IQR = 19-26), 196 (35.8%) males, and 351 (64.2%) females, of low (n = 194, 35.5%) and high SES (n = 353, 64.5%). The first set of studies was composed of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis (Factor Analysis, MANCOVA, and Moderatared Multiple Regressions). The inventories examined, IDEA and FESA, presented a new factor structure, associated with Brazilian contextual influences and the necessity of reviewing the original measures. The EA phenomenon was more likely to be present in HSES contexts in Brazil. The LSES group trend to assuming adult responsibilities earlier blocks their opportunities of exploring diverse fields. The dimension Self-focused in the Southern Brazilian sample was associated with participants’ gradual process of building a foundation to adulthood, and also with a more individualistic orientation. The thematic analysis developed in the qualitative study identified the presence of the five main EA features and its counterpart, Other-focused in the sample. HSES individuals were more likely to experience the EA features in harmony with this transition in industrialized countries. LSES individuals presented a divergent trend. Their opportunity to be Self-focused and invest in their Identity Exploration would happen after an Other-focused period.

O presente estudo investigou a transição para a vida adulta em jovens de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos (NSE) no sul do Brasil, e objetivou identificar a existência ou não do fenômeno chamado adultez emergente (AE) no sul país. A amostra foi composta de 547 jovens, residentes em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, entre 18 e 29 anos (M = 22 anos; IQ = 19-26), 196 (35,8%) homens, e 351 (64.2%) mulheres; de NSE baixo (n = 194, 35.5%) e alto (n = 353, 64,5%). O primeiro conjunto de estudos foi composto por análises estatísticas uni e multivariadas (Análise Fatorial, MANCOVA, e Regressões Múltiplas Moderadas). Os inventários examinados, IDEA e FESA, apresentaram nova estrutura fatorial, associadas a influências do contexto brasileiro e à necessidade de revisão das medidas originais. A AE mostrou-se mais provável de ocorrer em contextos de NSE alto. O grupo de NSE baixo apresentou tendência a assumir responsabilidades adultas precocemente, o que dificulta a experimentação de um período mais exploratório de suas identidades. A dimensão Foco em si mesmo na amostra brasileira foi associada com o processo gradual dos participantes construírem uma base para sua vida adulta; e também a uma orientação mais individualista. A análise temática desenvolvida no estudo qualitativo identificou a presença das cinco principais características da AE e sua dimensão oposta, Foco nos outros, na amostra. Indivíduos de NSE alto descreveram uma transição para a vida adulta em harmonia com o que é observado em outros países industrializados. Indivíduos de NSE baixo apresentaram uma tendência diferente. A oportunidade de serem Focados em si mesmos e investirem na Exploração de sua identidade aconteceriam após um período de Foco nos outros. / The present study investigated the transition to adulthood in Southern Brazilians from differing SES and aimed to examine whether or not the phenomenon of EA exists in the country. The sample included 547 individuals; residents in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, between 18 and 29 years old (M = 22 years; IQR = 19-26), 196 (35.8%) males, and 351 (64.2%) females, of low (n = 194, 35.5%) and high SES (n = 353, 64.5%). The first set of studies was composed of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis (Factor Analysis, MANCOVA, and Moderatared Multiple Regressions). The inventories examined, IDEA and FESA, presented a new factor structure, associated with Brazilian contextual influences and the necessity of reviewing the original measures. The EA phenomenon was more likely to be present in HSES contexts in Brazil. The LSES group trend to assuming adult responsibilities earlier blocks their opportunities of exploring diverse fields. The dimension Self-focused in the Southern Brazilian sample was associated with participants’ gradual process of building a foundation to adulthood, and also with a more individualistic orientation. The thematic analysis developed in the qualitative study identified the presence of the five main EA features and its counterpart, Other-focused in the sample. HSES individuals were more likely to experience the EA features in harmony with this transition in industrialized countries. LSES individuals presented a divergent trend. Their opportunity to be Self-focused and invest in their Identity Exploration would happen after an Other-focused period.

Recent research has proposed a new stage in human development, termed emerging adulthood by Jeffrey Arnett, which is characterized by a prolonged journey to adult roles and responsibilities. This thesis explores the experience of Chinese emerging adults, university students aged 20-25 years using Erikson’s and Levinson’s developmental theories as a theoretical framework. These authors proposed that three major developmental tasks are necessary for the transition to adulthood: separating from family of origin, forming an adult identity and finding the place for the self in the larger society. Qualitative interviews were conducted virtually with 12 Chinese university students to understand their perceptions and lived experience. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview transcripts. The results suggest Chinese emerging adults (a) have a low level of separation from parents; (b) have not formed a clear sense of identity and have not achieved a self-definition in adulthood; and (c) have not made initial commitments to love and work. It is speculated that the Chinese sociocultural context may further postpone its young adults’ independence and autonomy, and this prolonged transition to adulthood is both positive and problematic to Chinese young adults. This study lends support to Arnett’s emerging adulthood theory through its exploration of emerging adulthood in China, where, to date, little research has been done on this subject. It provides rich descriptions of the experience of Chinese emerging adults’ lives and enhances understandings of the role of culture in influencing the emerging adulthood period.

This thesis examines the role of structural violence in the contemporary transition to adulthood of street involved youth. Anchored in structural social work, the study understands the origin of social problems and of violence to be structural rather than individual. Conducted in two phases, the study used participatory action and arts-informed methods, group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. Autonomy, a key component of the contemporary transition to adulthood, was central to the research results. The findings demonstrated that structural violence works to misrepresent or to nullify street involved youths’ expressions of autonomy. Structural violence affects how they exercise and manifest their autonomy as well as how their autonomy is represented or socially valued. The findings made visible the invisible structural violence, illuminating social causes of individual problems. Accordingly, to better support street involved youth and the development of their autonomy during their transition to adulthood, the study proposes recommendations for practice, policy, and research that target systems level change.

South Africa continues to have the highest HIV-prevalence in the world, in addition to other sexual health-related issues. A vast majority of its population is also religiously affiliated with Christianity. This study sought to understand how young women living in Khayelitsha experience the relationship between sexual health and religion within the context of uncertainty and socio-economic deprivation. How their sexual health-decision making unfolds given the tensions that arise between religious expectations and socio-economic realities and how they perceive the partnership between religious organisations and public health facilities offering sexual health services was also explored. Data collection consisted of ethnographic field notes, 11 semistructured interviews and 3 focus group discussions with 6 people in each group. Data were then analysed using a thematic analysis approach. The findings reveal that young women experience the tension between religious expectations and their socio-economic realities through the “moral dichotomisation of right and wrong” and that this, in addition to the ‘dynamics of hypervulnerability’ consisting of gender inequalities and economic vulnerability, leads to a sense of lacking control over sexual health decision-making. The call for church involvement in sexual health-related matters reveals a deeper desire for various forms of support as they transition to adulthood in the context of uncertainty and socio-economic marginalisation. The article argues that young people navigating uncertainty and dealing with the complexities of transitioning to adulthood may perceive religion and the church to play the role of a custodian in sexual health issues, however, expectations of the church are difficult to live up to and sit in tension with socio- economic realities. Thus, a division of duties between religious organisations and public health facilities should be established to strengthen sexual health promotion and prevention efforts.

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This dissertation examines the strategies that students use for navigating their way through college and the steps they take in preparation for college graduation. I wrote this dissertation because I wanted to understand how students go from being freshmen not long out of high school to young adults prepared (or not prepared) to enter the workforce or attend graduate or professional school. Past research has found that as high school students, many young people are generally directionless when it comes to learning about different career paths (Schneider and Stevenson 2006). Moreover, in the U.S., there is very little structural support for helping students navigate the transition from student to worker. While universities may offer programs that can aid students in finding jobs or applying to graduate schools, it is largely up to students to seek these programs out. This dissertation therefore investigates the question, "How much do college students plan for their post-college lives?" To accomplish my research goals, I focus on two areas in which students may demonstrate planfulness: choosing a college major and planning for post-graduation careers or schooling. I seek to answer three general questions. First, what reasons do students give for attending college? Second, how planful are students when selecting their college majors? Third, how planful are students in preparing for their future educational and occupational goals? To answer these questions, I collected my own data using a mixed methodology research design that included in-depth interviews with 31 students and a survey of nearly 500 college seniors at a large, northeastern university. This study adds to the literature on the transition to adulthood by studying the school-to-work transition. It also contributes to the sociology of education literature by shedding light on how college students make decisions about college majors. The survey shows that many students simultaneously hold both utilitarian and liberal arts philosophies toward higher education. The majority of survey respondents reported that they were motivated to attend college because of both the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards that a college education offers. Meanwhile, the in-depth interviews suggest that parental expectations, which were also commonly cited by survey respondents as reasons for attending college, are very powerful influences in students' decisions to attend college. Regarding college major choices, the survey results suggest that students find school experience more influential than the prospects of a potential career. In total, about two-thirds of respondents gave "present-oriented" rather than "future-oriented" reasons for choosing their majors. When looking at individual reasons for selecting a major, I found that passion for or interest in a subject was by far the reason cited most often as most important. The in-depth interview data provide further insight into the relationship between college majors and post-graduation plans. These interviews show that it is common for students to set post-graduation goals after they have chosen a college major. This was true regardless of whether students were present or future-oriented when making their initial college major decision. It was not unusual for students to select a major because of an interest in a particular occupation, but later decide that they no longer wanted to pursue that profession. Thus, I find that students can be future-oriented when selecting a major as freshmen or sophomores yet uncertain about their short-term post-graduation goals during their senior year. I also look at other ways that students can demonstrate planfulness, including seeking advice from others and participating in "development activities", which are activities that allow students to explore their interests. The survey shows that students vary in how often they seek advice from professors, advisors, and parents. On the other hand, most survey respondents participated in at least one development activity. The survey shows that social class was associated with these planfulness indicators. Both household income and parental education predicted the frequency with which students sought advice from their parents about choosing majors and making post-graduation plans. Family background was also associated with participating in activities that might help students explore their interests. Respondents from families with higher household incomes participated in more career-related activities than respondents from families with lower household incomes. Meanwhile, respondents with college-educated parents participated in more academic research activities than their classmates without college-educated parents. In my last analysis, I return to my qualitative research and introduce a typology of student planfulness that can be used to describe the different approaches students use in preparing for life after college graduation. In my conclusion, I suggest future areas of research that could extend our knowledge of student planfulness. I also provide policy recommendations that address how universities could help students make well-informed decisions about college majors, career goals, and plans for graduate study. / Sociology