Not (Time) to Grow up: the Significance of the "Gap gap" in the Transformation of the Biographical Project of Youth

In the era of postmodern society, the structure of the life path has undergone a number of cardinal changes. The life path is defined as a series of interrelated stages and turning points, passing through which individuals acquire experience, social roles and statuses. In modern realities, the life path of a person has become non-linear, the sequence of key stages has acquired a chaotic order, the trajectories of various life spheres have mixed with each other and exist in an asynchronous mode. The construction of a life path takes place in an ever-changing environment and increasing mobility The period of growing up as a transition from youth to adulthood is one of the key stages in the life path of an individual. At the time of growing up, there are tasks of physical and emotional separation, the acquisition of complete independence in organizing and planning one's own life, as well as the achievement of independence. In connection with the restructuring of the life path, the transition to adulthood has also become more chaotic, non-linear and prolonged. Constant transformations of the external environment and new educational practices directly affect the change in the scenarios of growing up, while there is no pattern of “correct” and accepted in society growing up One of the practices of non-formal education was the Gap Year, which originated in the West, the main idea of ​​which is an academic break between the various stages of formal education. On the one hand, the practice of academic break increases the time lag between obtaining a full higher education and entering the labor market, therefore, growing up, with its inherent marker of independence, is pushed back to a longer perspective. On the other hand, according to studies by European sociologists, Gap Year is able to form a set of personal qualities, new competencies, broaden horizons and give a unique experience that cannot be obtained while being in the structure of formal education alone. In addition, Gap period scenarios can be varied and include, among other things, labor activity. Thus, the Gap Year can, on the contrary, be a catalyst for entering the labor market.