Shaping Futures

Book excerpt: First published in 1998, this volume draws on studies of real-life experiences in the status passage to adulthood and argues that policies must be based on more holistic analyses of social dynamics. Karen M. Evans recognises that the time taken to reach adult status has lengthened in all the industrialised countries. At the same time, the risks for young people trying to 'make their way' have increased. How are they experiencing the new circumstances? What kinds of preparation and support do they need to become full citizens? What roles should education, training, work and the community have in providing this? As well as providing learning support, they must include measures which help to change the social and material conditions which stretch many young people beyond their capacities to cope unaided and which can defeat and ultimately exclude.