Introduction

Competence and citizenship are central themes in the life and work transitions of young adults. Both concepts take on new dimensions when considered in the context of the changing structures of opportunity and perceived risk faced by young adults. The concept of citizenship potentially provides a way of understanding the life and work transitions of early adulthood. While the concepts of competence and of citizenship are usefully employed in discussing the processes involved in achieving adult status, both are value-laden and contested, both are socially constructed and both are employed to support particular ideological positions. While the concepts of competence and of citizenship are usefully employed in discussing the processes involved in achieving adult status, both are value-laden and contested, both are socially constructed and both are employed to support particular ideological positions. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.