Mapping the Structure of Transition to Adulthood in China during the Economic Reform

Felicia Feng Tian, Duke University

China has experienced massive economic restructuring and rapid economic growth in the past three decades. The institutional changes have profoundly affected the life experience of young people living in China. The current analysis uses census data to map the structure of the transition to adulthood in China between 1982 and 2005. Specifically, the current analysis attempts to answer three questions: (1) has transition to adulthood in China more differentiated in the past three decades? (2) which demographic groups experienced the greatest changes? and (3) which life domains (family, education or work) contribute most to these changes? The current analysis also contributes to our knowledge about transition to adulthood during economic globalization.