Citation

Galambos NL, Martínez ML. Child Dev. Perspect. 2007; 1(2): 109-114.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00024.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

ABSTRACT—The purpose of this article is to examine evidence regarding whether the period of the life course referred to as “emerging adulthood” exists, or is likely to develop, in Latin America. Central to this examination is recognition of differences in cultural practices and expectations related to adulthood across countries and differences in gender and socioeconomic factors (power, access to education, and degree of economic independence) within countries. Data from diverse sources suggest that some individuals in Latin America experience a period of emerging adulthood in which they are free to pursue different lifestyle options and delay marriage and parenthood. However, the data also suggest that these individuals are largely from wealthier families, urban areas, and more developed countries. For the many Latin American youth confronted with poverty, child marriage, and inadequate educational and occupational opportunities, emerging adulthood will probably unfold quite differently, if at all, even as they are increasingly exposed to new expectations about role exploration and self-development in their transition to adulthood.