Young people 1986–2006: Study, work, and income is the second of two reports that look at changes in young people’s transition to independence. This report examines changes in the nature and timing of young people’s study and work participation, and sources and levels of personal income from 1986 to 2006. In particular, the report identifies the age at which young people enter study or the workforce and when they begin to receive income. It focuses on the patterns that are evident between certain groups of young people when they move from familial dependence to financial autonomy.
The first report – Young people 1986–2006: Relationship change – examined changes in when young people moved away from their families of origin, and when and how they partnered or entered parenthood. Both reports use life course events derived from census variables to measure when young people move toward adult independence. Analyses in this report are presented against a backdrop of significant economic change that took place between 1986 and 2006. Considerable changes in the economic and labour markets occurred over this period, which influenced young people’s participation in tertiary study and the labour market. These changes in participation directly affected the sources and levels of young people’s personal income.
Building knowledge about the key events that affect young people is particularly important in the current climate, as they navigate a time of great economic and social change. These key events, such as beginning study or starting work, stem from the life-stage that characterises their group – the transition from dependency within a family nucleus to independent adulthood. Understanding whether key events happen earlier or later in young people’s lives is crucial, as these changes may affect their future opportunities, as well as the lives and futures of their families and communities.
Geoff Bascand
Government Statistician
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Citation
Statistics New Zealand (2010). Young people 1986–2006: Study, work, and income.
Wellington: Statistics New Zealand
Published in May 2010 by
Statistics New Zealand
Tatauranga Aotearoa
Wellington, New Zealand
ISBN 978-0-478-35373-0 (online)
This report was prepared by Michelle Basham of the Social Conditions Business Unit of Statistics New Zealand.