@article{HurrelmannQuenzel2013, author = {Hurrelmann, Klaus and Quenzel, Gudrun}, title = {Lost in transition: status insecurity and inconsistency as hallmarks of modern adolescence}, series = {International Journal of Adolescence and Youth}, volume = {20}, journal = {International Journal of Adolescence and Youth}, number = {3}, publisher = {Taylor and Francis}, address = {London [u.a.]}, issn = {0267-3843}, doi = {10.1080/02673843.2013.785440}, pages = {261 -- 270}, year = {2013}, abstract = {In highly developed countries, the adolescent phase of life is expanding more and more. The consequences are status insecurity and inconsistency. A side effect is that adolescence is no longer clearly separable as demarcated biographical stage from adulthood. In this paper, we argue that the developmental tasks of a typical adolescent and a typical adult can only be partially differentiated, and the exact point in time when adolescents become adults can no longer be clearly identified. We find evidence that adolescence is becoming more 'adult' and adulthood is correspondingly becoming more 'juvenile'. In almost all important social areas of life, the behavioral patterns of adults and of adolescents are coalescing. Living with insecurity in the working life and in social relations, experiencing limitations of personal autonomy, and the continuous need to work on social status inconsistencies today are characteristic features of the life of adolescents and adults. As many adolescents meet these demands skillfully and flexibly, they have in many respects become 'social models' for the adult life phase.}, language = {en} }