Transition to adulthood in the time of social changes: The case of the Czech Republic. Paper presented on Xth Conference of European Association for Research on Adolescence. Antalya, Turkey, May 2 -6.
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| Year of publication | 2006 |
| Type | R&D Presentation |
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| Description | Similarly as in other advanced Euro-American countries, the adolescent period in the Czech Republic tends to be extended and the transition criteria of adulthood are more vague. The period of emerging adulthood has some typical characteristics (Arnett, 2000) carried by the Czech context e.g.: postponement of the goals and roles traditionally connected with adulthood, lengthening of the time of career preparation, enhancing a value of leisure time, changes in partnership and parental behavior, exploring different life styles and worldviews (Arnett, 2000). However, we also consider the fact that the time of transition from adolescence to adulthood has its specifics linked with social changes taking place in the Czech Republic since 1989. Metaphorically speaking, the whole 1990s era could be called emerging adulthood of Czech society. First, we describe how certain socio-demographic characteristics of 18 25 year olds changed during the past fifteen years. Next part of the presentation is based on empirical studies focused on social representation in late adolescence and early adulthood. These studies show that for most adolescents, the adulthood is perceived as something definite, as a life period characteristic with compromises, taking responsibility, limited opportunities and commitments. Moreover, accepting responsibility for others (partner, children) is for many young people inevitably linked with economic insecurity. Despite this, the period of emerging adulthood is more frequently perceived as space for self-realization and personal freedom. Also, attributes of a satisfied and successful Czech citizen (presented by the mass-media images) correspond with characteristics that represent the attributes of emerging adulthood (productivity, flexibility, physical attractiveness, good health, independence). |
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