What is it to be an adult? Yesteryear’s view of adulthood has become highly contested. Most youth don’t follow the traditional sequence in their transition to adulthood: leaving home, finishing education, finding a job, getting married and having kids. Some reject this script as something outdated, rigid and limiting. Others would follow the script, but find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of relational instability and job insecurity. As a result, the road to personal and professional stability is now winding and uncertain for many among our youth.

This situation, which for many extends over a decade, has led to the definition of emerging adulthood as a new stage in the life course, separate from adolescence and adulthood. This interdisciplinary project seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the elements that facilitate success in adult life, from the fields of:

• Social demography: sequence and timing of life-course transitions.

• Sociology of relationships: attitudes and behaviors towards family and romantic relationships.

• Psychological maturity: development of cognitive and emotional skills and abilities.

• View of work: professional attitudes, decision-making skills.

Team