This paper documents the social changes that have taken place in the American family during the last quarter century and suggests that these changes have created the need for new directions in both public policy and developmental research. The general trend reveals progressive fragmentation and isolation of the family in its child rearing role, as…

The new emphasis on welfare reform, self-reliance, and individual accountability and the new time limits imposed by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program have resulted in large numbers of people between the ages of 18 and 24 entering the work force. The three main career options for youth in transition from school to work are…