Describes the structural changes in the adolescent phase of young people in the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Analyzes the change in the transition process from adolescence to adulthood over the past 60 years. Discusses the implications and results of these changes. (RW)

Posits that West Germany's educational system created vulnerable and less vulnerable phases in the educational careers of various birth cohorts. Asserts that these phases resulted from the use of age-graded organization and from the different types of institutions that constitute the system. Shows how educational reforms affected educational…