Transitions between social statuses and institutions have interested scholars from around the world and raise critical issues regarding the roles of governments and businesses in providing resources to construct institutional bridges and to promote successful transitions. The conference will review models of age-status and educational transitions in different societies; discuss problems, such as gaps and difficulties in transitions; and propose policy recommendations at the national, regional, and global levels.
Whereas RC04 focuses on educational institutions and processes, and RC34 examines youth (generally defined as between age 18 and 34), the interests of these research committees converge in their focus on role/status entries and exits that have important consequences for the ensuing life course. Members of RC04 examine educational transitions by students (e.g., from kindergarten to primary school) and educators; members of RC34 assess transitions to adulthood (e.g., becoming a parent).
Joining these approaches to transitions offers the opportunity for examination of convergences between different types of transitions. Moreover, both research committees share many interests in common: for example, transitions from school to work, school to school, and from school back to work; how participation in educational programs (vocational training in schools and apprenticeships, four-year colleges) influences the duration and character of the youth phase of life; and many other topics.

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