Combining statistical analyses and personal interviews, this book
examines the phenomenon of adult children in the United States who have
returned to living with their parents in the family home. It uses both
data and narrative to fully detail how such co-residency has shaped this
ever-increasing demographic group, who are often referred to as
"previously launched adults" or " boomerang children." The author first
presents quantitative research using data obtained from the National
Survey of Families and Households. Readers will discover the various
demographic, household, and economic variables that might lead an
individual to move back in with his or her family. This statistical
analysis is complemented by 50 qualitative interviews that offer a more
in-depth look at the trend from the point of view of those who have
experienced it. These interviews of both adult children and their
parents cover such areas as personal background, the effects of
returning to the parental home, and self-esteem issues. In addition, the
book offers cross-country comparisons by looking at the prevalence of
this phenomenon in China and Greece. It discusses the different cultural
contexts in which adult child and parent co-residence is not seen as
particularly deviant, as it is in America, as well as identifies some of
the demographic and economic factors that would cause those in different
countries to continue to live with their parents. This book furthers
research into the sociological study of the family. The quantitative
analyses describe the large scale trends and their implications, the
interviews provide an important personal context, while the
cross-country comparisons offer additional perspectives. Overall,
readers will gain a complete picture of this unprecedented demographic
shift in the United States, including important policy implications and
the plight of young adults coming of age in the 21st century.
