How far have transitions to adulthood changed in the last decade? Evidence from the United Kingdom Labour Force Survey

Description/Abstract

Using data from the UK Labour Force Survey from 1998 and 2008, this paper investigates the magnitude of recent changes in the transitions to adulthood. Four life course dimensions are examined: leaving education and the transition to work; leaving the parental home; entry into partnership and becoming a parent. Gender differences in the nature and speed of transitions are highlighted. In addition, the paper highlights the need to take account of the heterogeneity of the young adult population in the UK in terms of international migration status and the way migration status can impact on transitions.