Conclusion: theorising turning points and decoding narratives

Transitions to Adulthood of ‘At Risk’ Young Men: New Analysis from Two Norwegian Qualitative Longitudinal Studies

“…Whatever the intergenerational relationships available to them, young people have opportunities to change the direction of their lives at particular moments in their life course. Kupferberg (, p. 227) conceptualises these moments as ‘turning points’ that occur 'at the crucial nexus between social structure and personal agency’. In a comparable way, Denzin () employs the term ‘epiphany’ while others refer to ‘breaks’ or fateful moments (Giddens, ).…”

“…In a comparable way, Denzin () employs the term ‘epiphany’ while others refer to ‘breaks’ or fateful moments (Giddens, ). Turning points may be negative, positive or both (Höyer and Sjöblom, ; Kupferberg, ). For example, taking up the opportunity to re‐enter education may improve job prospects while causing strain in various personal relationships.…”

“…Agency becomes evident through processes of reflection and negotiation as individuals cope with and shape their environments at particular times in particular contexts (Ferguson and Walker, ; Munford and Sanders, ). The concept of ‘turning point’ is thus important for understanding agency (Kupferberg, ). Tom and Ed (and John from the broader sample) described their interaction with their stepfathers in ways that constituted negative turning points.…”

“…It identifies the ways in which supportive social relationships help to produce everyday practices that develop resilience and create positive turning points and potentially happy and successful futures. The paper contributes to understanding of the ‘turning points’ in the young men’s lives (Kupferberg, ); times at which they achieved some agency, made sense of the past, considered the present and looked to the future. It shows how their lives changed over time and differed between the cohorts (Aaltonen, ), illuminating ways in which young men’s agency is socially and structurally located in intergenerational and other social relations.…”