Early Adulthood in a Family Context

This collection of symposium insights examines how family dynamics shape the transition to adulthood, emphasizing both the lasting influence of family of origin and the diverse new family formations emerging today. Drawing from the 18th National Symposium on Family Issues, it presents cutting-edge theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches for understanding this critical life stage. The research specifically explores how family resources and constraints—economic, social, and otherwise—create pathways or barriers for young adults navigating independence.

What distinguishes this volume is its dual focus on intergenerational transmission and contemporary family complexity, offering a nuanced perspective missing from many developmental studies. Researchers and advanced students in family sociology and human development will find particularly valuable the emphasis on measurement innovation and methodological rigor. The book makes a compelling case that understanding modern adulthood requires examining both the families we come from and the new relational structures we create.