Transitions

Transitions is a concept used to described some kind of physical or psychological change. In the context of childhood studies, the focus on transitional change is often related to age-related or developmental changes, such as physical maturation. Transitions can also be related to the kinds of major milestones that some children experience, such as the move from one school to another or the move out of school and into work. However, transitions can also be seen as a set of complex processes whereby ongoing changes influence how one see oneself and one’s self-identity. Additionally, the experience of transition can be very different depending on the social and cultural context in which one lives. This entry discusses research findings on transitions, educational transitions, and transitions as an ongoing and dynamic process.