ABSTRACT
The transition to adulthood is commonly understood as the period after high school when young people complete their education, live apart from parents, have a full-time job and become economically independent, marry, and start families of their own. Sociologists have acknowledged that not everyone goes through the life course in the same way and some of the common markers of adulthood may be sequenced in a different order depending on gender, race, and/or socio-economic background. Early adultification can, as seen in the lives of many of the Parlington teenagers, actually lead to what may be considered delayed adulthood. In the context of commonly understood markers, the transition to adulthood for the Parlington High teenagers began early for some and continues late for others. Moreover, childhood adultification can impact further life patterns in various and often negative ways.
