Poised for Emerging Adulthood in Latin America: A Pleasure for the Privileged

The purpose of this article is to examine evidence regarding whether the period of the life course referred to as "emerging adulthood" exists, or is likely to develop, in, Latin America. Central to this examination is recognition of differences in cultural practices and expectations related to adulthood across countries and differences in gender and socioeconomic factors (power, access to education, and degree of economic independence) within countries. Data front diverse sources suggest that some individuals in Latin America experience a period of emerging adulthood in, which they are free to pursue different lifestyle options and delay marriage and parenthood. However, the data also suggest that these individuals are largely front wealthier families, urban, areas, and more developed countries. For the many Latin. American. youth confronted with poverty, child marriage, and inadequate educational and occupational opportunities, emerging adulthood will probably unfold quite differently, if at all, even, as they are increasingly exposed to new expectations about role exploration and self-development in their transition to adulthood.