Navigating social pathways for youths transitioning from school to work : How young adults shape their life course with an eye on the future

Abstract

This research paper examines different perspectives on how pathways in the life course of young people transitioning to adulthood is prolonged, and how young people today are able to navigate and shape their own pathways. The paper is inspired by, and written in conjunction with, an international conference: Transition to adulthood in times of inequality – the changing impact of intergenerational relations, held by the Department of Sociology at the University of Bergen in the period of May 30th – June 1st 2017. In light of how increased flexibility for young adults today bring questions on increased uncertainty, the paper touches on how young adults transition from school-to-work in today’s knowledge societies, in search for an ever better qualified work-force, is demanding longer educations. Which in turn can initiate questions on if such demands is prolonging the youth phase among young individuals. To guide the paper onwards, two research questions are formulated: 1) when making the transition into adulthood, how does young individuals navigate and manage their own lives with an eye on the future? 2) As young individuals transition from school-to-work, what risks-factors and uncertainties are present in the life course of slow and fast-trackers? To discuss the two overarching research questions, perspectives on youth risks and uncertainties in connection with school-to-work transitions will be explored. Many of the studies and perspectives this paper is built upon are part of an extensive research field within youth sociology, concerned with youth transitions, including navigational theory, youth concepts and slow and fast-track transitions.