Based on qualitative research with young people aged from 18 to 30 in five European countries, this book examines young peoples pathways to adulthood, and their perspectives on their future work and family lives.

1. Julia Brannen, Suzan Lewis, Ann Nilsen and Janet Smithson Introduction 2. Janet Smithson and Julia Brannen Qualitative Methodology in Cross-National Research 3. Ann Nilsen and Julia Brannen Theorising the Individiual-Structure Dynamic 4. Julia Brannen and Ann Nilsen Young People's Perspectives on the Future 5. Suzan Lewis, Janet Smithson and Clarissa Kugelberg Into Work: Job Insecurity and Changing Psychological Contracts 6. Pat O'Connor and Janet Smithson Young Peoples' Awareness of Gendered Realities 7. Julia Brannen, Clarissa Kugelberg, Maria das Dores Guerreiro and Janet Smithson Imagining Parenthood and Employment: Connected or Disconnected Worlds? 8. Suzan Lewis, Janet Smithson and Maria das Dores Guerreiro Into Parenthood: Young People's Sense of Entitlement to Support for the Reconciliation of Employment and Family life 9. Ann Nilsen, Maria das Dores Guerreiro and Julia Brannen 'Most Choices Involve Money': Different Pathways to Adulthood