The dynamics of personal networks at the time of entry into adult life

This study follows 66 young French men and women over a 6-year period. Various aspects of their transition to adult life (education, jobs, starting to live as a couple, etc.) were monitored during the three waves of survey. A detailed study of the subjects' networks was performed during each wave. The networks change considerably between one wave and the next. The personal network appears to be the central means by which integration is achieved during each stage of the life cycle. The existence of a core of stable relationships, most frequently centred on the family, also seems to play a fundamental role. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.