In the past decade or so, scholars in the United States have identified the emergence of a new, distinct stage of life, as adolescence has become protracted, and most young people of recent generations take longer to achieve economic and psychological autonomy than they did a half century ago. This new life stage, in between adolescence and adulthood when young people are in a semiautonomous state, has come to be known as early adulthood.
Main characteristics of this new life stage include a later entry into the work force, a longer period of time living in the natal home, and a delayed age at marriage and childbearing. These trends not only have profound implications for young adults’ well-being and intergenerational relationships but also challenge social institutions, such as family, schools, labor markets, and many youth-serving institutions.