The Interaction between the Individual and Society: An Approach to Transition Research

Abstract

This thesis discusses the significance of an approach to transition research that focuses on the interaction between the individual and society, to inform a greater understanding of the individual’s development throughout the life. Previous conversion studies have used either a developmental or accidental approach to focus on inner psychological processes involved in life transitions, neglecting their social and cultural dimensions. Throughout these studies, the aspect of recent results of the narrative theory approach to qualitative research has been neglected. This study introduces an approach that focuses on the interaction between the individual and society. The approach suggests that when transitions are regarded as a story or sign, they can inform a deeper understanding of career complexity in the present age, and of how transitions spur or prevent individual development. This approach makes an important contribution to the development of transition research. Future research will investigate educational methods based upon this approach.