From Adolescence to Adulthood in the Vietnam Era

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Children born in the post-WWII era entered a world characterized by I-Like-Ike politics and domestic security. As they neared adolescence, their lives were disrupted by significant cultural, economic, social, and political changes. The '60s emerged as a time of innovation and progress, yet chaos and bitterness began to take hold. This decade evokes powerful memories for many Americans, as adolescents enjoyed technological and medical advancements like television, drive-in movies, rock-and-roll, and vaccinations, while also confronting the repercussions of the Civil Rights Movement, domestic terrorism, stagflation, and the Vietnam War. The study offers a detailed, long-term examination of the psychological and social experiences of male adolescents transitioning to adulthood as the 1960s concluded. It follows boys who graduated in 1969, exploring their paths into adulthood through military service, full-time jobs, or college. The analysis reveals how their choices influenced their development from adolescence to young adulthood, highlighting the implications of context and choice in shaping their early life courses. The findings provide insights into the effects of different pathways on self-esteem and overall transition experiences.