Final answer:
Emerging adulthood is a life stage delayed by factors such as increased life expectancy, educational demands, and societal emphasis on personal freedom, not by a general immaturity among young people.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emerging adulthood is a life stage recognized for the transition into more traditional adult roles, which has been extended in recent times. Reasons for this include increased life expectancy, heightened educational demands, and greater value placed on personal freedom in society. However, the idea that current young people are more 'babyish' is not a valid reason for the existence of emerging adulthood. Many factors contribute to this new stage such as longer educational periods due to more demanding job requirements, cultural shifts favoring exploration and personal growth, and economic conditions that make financial independence more challenging. As a result, this period often includes changes in identity and the gradual assumption of adult roles. Early adulthood has traditionally been marked by a few key milestones, such as completing education, starting a career, forming intimate relationships, and starting a family. But these milestones are being achieved later in life due to the variety of changes our society and economy have undergone. This phase is not about delayed maturity but about adapting to a changing world and may include periods of returning to one's family home owing to employment challenges, often referred to as the 'Boomerang Generation'. In conclusion, emerging adulthood is shaped by societal, cultural, and economic factors, rather than a general immaturity among young people.