Abstract:

TUsing a grounded theory， this paper explores the impact of unemployment on Chinese young people’s life transition. It points out the limitations of Western theories when applied in China and argues that youth life transition in the Chinese context doesn’t mean a separation from the original family system. Instead， it means， within the original family system， to achieve financial independence， to win honor for the family， and to return kindness to the parents. The major impact of unemployment on the Chinese youth life transition is impeding the realization of the aforementioned life goals. This paper also briefly discusses some issues regarding indigenous studies in social sciences.

Key words: youth unemployment, life transition