Arnett's Theory Of Exploration In Emerging Adulthood

Munson, et al. (2013) have conducted research in the UK using participants from diverse backgrounds. The research involved fifty-nine young people, aged between 18-25 years old, from social service systems of care. The participants were interviewed in-depth to establish their viewpoint on the transition to adulthood. The results showed participants gave a variety of answers. Firstly, described it as a choice for only those who could afford it. Secondly, describing it as a time to prepare for responsibility. In addition, many young people considered it part of their survival due to having no support mechanism of family to rely on. Furthermore, a lot of the young people had the view that because of circumstances such as, caring for a relative,

Therefore, Arnett’s, (2000) theory of exploration in emerging adulthood had an altered meaning to those who have been in the social service system. These young people’s view was they did not experience emerging adulthood because of their circumstances.

Another possible limitation to experiencing Arnett’s, (2000) theory on emerging adulthood is the diversity of young people. Not all young people choose or are able to embark on higher education. Therefore, the research by Hendry and Kloep (2010) gave an awareness into how those who do not go into higher education view their transition into adulthood. The study was conducted using a semi structured interviews, involving 38 young people from Wales, aged between 17-20 years old, divided into 22 females and 16 males. All participants were not in higher education and there was a mixture of

However, the research suggests Arnett, (2000) theory of emerging adulthood does have factors that could be perceived as limitations. The subjective view of those within social service systems have experienced adult roles and responsibilities before or during emerging adulthood. Mainly though taking on adult responsibilities from a young age. In addition, young people that do not enter higher education also have a subjective view that adulthood has been met at an early age. Mainly due to life choices, opportunities and geographical mobility. Therefore, contradicts the findings of research done by Arnett, (2004) on 18-25 year olds. That showed 60% felt in-between adolescence and adulthood. On the other hand, Arnett, (2000) does have a valid point about transition such as, marriage, parenting and finding a career happening at a later age. As the finding showed the age normative transitions happen have changed considerably. Concluding, that young people of today have a more diverse approach to normative transitions. Therefore, more research should be conducted into emerging adulthood to determine whether emerging adulthood applies to all, or as this essay suggests, only those who have the circumstances to experience