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Title: The Changing Life Cycle of America's Youth: A Test of Arnett's Theory of Emerging Adulthood

Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis

Publication Year: 2010

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Abstract: Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood is tested by exploring differences between American 18 to 29-year-olds and older adults with General Social Survey and Integrated Public Use Microdata Series databases. From the 1960s to 2008, a 39 percentage point drop in the number of married emerging adults is observed--compared to a 10 point decline in married older adults. The number of 18 to 29-year-olds attaining a college degree increased eight percentage points (1970s through 2000s)--compared to a 22 point increase for 30 to 55-year-olds and a 20 point increase for 56 to 85-year-olds. Of emerging adults attending college, 63% delayed marriage in 1940, while 73% did so in 2007. This 10 percentage point difference between never married emerging adults (1940 through 1970) increased to 22 points without a control for education. Frequency cross-tabulation analyses revealed emerging adults were (a) 11 points less likely to trust, (b) six points more likely to report job dissatisfaction, and (c) 10 points more likely to believe in a better future for children. Although some correlations were weak, logistic regressions support findings. A strong negative correlation between emerging adulthood and trust was revealed. Results support claims of intense social structure influences and an emerging adult stage in the life course with distinctive characteristics.

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Authors: Menard, Lauren Ann

Institution: University of Lousiana at Lafayette

Department: Educational Leadership

Advisor: Robert Slater

Degree: Education Doctorate

Publisher Location: Lafayette, LA

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Data Collections: IPUMS CPS

Topics: Family and Marriage, Methodology and Data Collection, Other

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