Inventing Adulthoods: A Biographical Approach to Youth Transitions is a ground-breaking book that offers a new approach to understanding young people's lives and their transitions to adulthood. Contrary to policy and research approaches that often see young people's lives in a fragmented way, the book argues that a biographical approach to youth is vital to capture the holistic and dynamic character of young lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of 100 young people over a ten year period, the book shows how the interplay of chance, choice, and opportunity can shape their lives.

The book explores a number of high profile policy issues such as: education, employment, chemical cultures, cultures of violence and well-being; but also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and sociality.

Key Features:

• An emphasis on case studies and interviews
• A consideration of the impact that social factors such as gender, social class, sexuality, religion, disability, and family have on young people's life opportunities
• Connections between young people's lives, social policy frameworks, and practice applications
• A lively and engaging style

Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable book for anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, the text is ideal for students interested in youth studies, education and social change, as well as for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners.