Final answer:
Emerging adulthood is a new phase recognized as the period from age 18 to the mid-20s, characterized by exploration in work and love due to societal and economic changes that have altered the traditional path to adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emerging Adulthood and Its Evolution
Emerging adulthood is a phase of life that spans from 18 years old to the mid-20s, and is noted for being a time of identity exploration in the areas of work and love. Due to various sociocultural and economic changes, criteria for entering adulthood have shifted over time. Historically, milestones like starting a career or a family occurred shortly after completing high school. Now, due to longer life expectancy in industrialized societies, there is less urgency for this swift transition. Adulthood today often requires higher education, with many students taking more than four years to graduate due to the need to work simultaneously. Post-graduation, the challenging job market often leads to the phenomenon known as the Boomerang Generation, where young adults return to their parental home due to inadequate employment opportunities.
Furthermore, cultural expectations have evolved to accommodate a period of exploration and self-discovery, thereby effectively delaying the onset of adulthood. This delay may include multiple job changes or shifts in one's field of study before settling into a long-term career path. The evolving workforce requirements and the shift in cultural norms have significantly contributed to the emergence of this new developmental stage.