Fragile Agencies in the Making: Challenges of Independent Living in Emerging Adulthood

In: Young: Nordic journal of youth research, Band 22, Heft 3, S. 253-269

Abstract

In this article the theme of human agency is approached from the concrete standpoint of independent living. Leaving the parental home at a young age stands out as a significant life event—one which brings about more freedom, but also new responsibilities. To frame the analysis of the age group in this study, youth, I use the concept 'emerging adulthood', which suggests an age from late teens through mid- to late–20s. The article draws on research, which data were collected in the Helsinki metropolitan area during the years 2010–11 in the context of an outreach project targeted for young people who have no place to study or work, and cannot find the services they need. According to this study, a general and significant challenge in independent living is to adjust to being self-reliant. This abstract challenge was manifested in the young people's ability to master basic daily living and routines, social relationships and broader cultural and social expectations and norms.