Work

Diverging trends in the age of social and biological transitions to adulthood

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We discuss how different disciplines vary in their definitions of what constitutes the transition to adulthood and the age at which this transition is attained. This review synthesizes diverse perspectives on conceptualizing adulthood, exploring markers from demographic, economic, legal, cultural, subjective, psychological, and biological domains-each offering unique insights. We discuss how this life transition has changed over time and across different contexts. We find that while socioeconomic markers such as entering the labor market and first childbirth are increasingly being delayed in contemporary societies, biological markers like puberty occur earlier, while institutional and legal markers of the transition are often constant. Consequently, individuals now experience extended periods of biological maturity before achieving social adulthood. This review highlights the complexities of defining adulthood and underscores the need for an updated and multidisciplinary examination of this significant life stage transition.

Source: Advances in Life Course Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2025.100690

Authors: Vegard Skirbekk, Christian K. Tamnes, Pétur Benedikt Júlíusson, Astanand Jugessur, Tilmann von Soest

Institutions: Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Oslo, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, University of Bergen

Language: English

Topic: Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,320

Funders: Norges Forskningsråd, European Research Council, H2020 European Research Council