Caring Responsibilities, Change and Transitions in Young People's Family Lives in Zambia

Young people in Zambia and other African countries affected by the HIV epidemic are under increasing pressure to obtain a good education and employment to support their families, whilst some also have to cope with the loss of parents and care for relatives with little external support. This article discusses the findings of qualitative research that explored the experiences of young people (aged 14-30) who had significant family caring responsibilities and those without such responsibilities in Zambia. Interviews and life-mapping methods were conducted with a total of 35 young people living in rural and urban areas, 12 parents and relatives and 12 professionals. The paper analyses young people's perceptions of significant transitions and the strategies they adopt to manage change. This includes socially expected transitions, such as initiation rites, marriage, leaving school and earning an income, in addition to more unpredictable changes in young people's lives, such as family illness and disability, caregiving, bereavement, mobility and migration. A range of life transitions were regarded as significant to young people's past, present and future lives and aspirations.