1. Sampling experiences Young people going abroad and new life course dynamics
Henk Vinken
Komazawa University, Tokyo
November 29, 2005
Rikkyo University, Tokyo

2. Destandardization > rise (return
Destandardization > rise (return?) of heterogeneity of life course transitions > reversible choices / non-life long commitments: yo-yo-ization > interruptions part of institutional framework > chances for success and risks of failure individualize

3. Reflexive biographization
> emphasis on developing individuality & imagining participation
> participation of unreversible type postponed
> intense engagement in organizing life narrative in which
- unplannable twists are acknowledged (self-confrontation)
taking on new routes are possible (self-destruction)
> mind you: traditional choices made, but seen as own choices

4. Reframing basic 1968-‘life goals’
> destandardization boosts quest for self-actualization
> reflexive biographization de-linearizes self-actualization
no longer directed at material or immaterial GROWTH
but at change and challenge, e.g.:
work to secure future (pre-), grow as person (post-1968)
- but work to experience sthg new / challenge (post-1990s)
> only post-1968 indicators in large-scale cross-cultural studies

5. A Western model only ?
> discourses on advanced societies, but lack Asian reference
> trends also in societies with less emphases on
individualism (vs collectivism)
autonomy (vs embeddedness)
self-expression (vs survival) ?
> or trends apply to specific life domains only
- work/marriage but not education in Japan?

6. Going abroad; the new life course by example
> many reasons that vary with place and time
> esp. ‘sojourners’ (anticipating short-stay) interesting
return not rich in material sense or in diploma’s
but return rich in experiences
if not: very specific reason remains undefined
> aligns with key words of new life course dynamics
reversibility of choices (short-term)
imagination of participation (not full commitment)
openness to unplannable twists and abrupt change
direct way to create multiple identities
taste of alternative lifestyles

7. Evidence ? > N of sojourners vs settlers on the rise (everywhere) ?
> What motives do both groups give? Do these align with…
- reversibility of choices
imagination of participation (not full commitment)
openness to unplannable twists and abrupt change
direct way to create multiple identities
taste of alternative lifestyles ?
> Comparative data is lacking (only N migrants recorded)