Transition to Adulthood of Young Italian People: The Result of a CATI Survey

Stefano Mazzuco, Università di Padova
Letizia Mencarini, University of Florence
Rosella Rettaroli, Università di Messina

The paper analyzes transition to adulthood of two groups of Italian generations: the first group aged 23-27 and the second one 33-37. The study is based on the results of a CATI survey conducted in the first half of 2004, consisting of a representative national sample of 3083 individuals. We explore individuals' choices related to the processes that compose the transition to adulthood. The aim of the paper is to assess how the sequence of the steps and/or the postponing of some steps - such as leaving parental house and entering a union - can affect fertility behavior. We therefore analyze the transition processes to all events of the "life course" as interrelating mechanisms, but where all are considered indispensable for choosing to have a child. In a longitudinal perspective, we also examine with respect to the younger cohort, detailed intentions and the prevalence of early home leavers.