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TRANSITIONS TO ADULTHOOD Introduction
Egypt's demographic momentum has created the largest ever cohort of young people between the ages of 10 and 19 ? more than 13 million according to the 1996 census. Enabling the successful transition to adulthood for this generation will have profound effects on Egypt's ability to sustain its development trajectory. Adolescence encompasses the critical life decisions and developmental tasks that bridge childhood and adulthood ? including when to leave school, where to work, taking increased responsibility for self and family, and choosing a spouse. For some young people, doors of opportunity open during this period in terms of greater mobility, education, skill training, or jobs. For others, doors close, as some prematurely leave behind school and leisure to enter marriage, parenthood, and other adult responsibilities. Until recently, little was known about this important stage nationally. The Adolescence and Social Change in Egypt (ASCE) survey reflects a holistic approach to understanding young lives, situating behavior within the social context in which young people grow to adulthood. This enables us to examine the linkages among various aspects of the adolescent experience. The researchers focused on how girls and boys experience adolescence differently and how those patterns translate into different opportunities as they progress toward adulthood. Important differences also emerge between younger and older adolescents and those living in rural and urban communities in Egypt. | |||||||||||
