Page 409 - Sociology and You

Will the current trend toward remaining single continue? It is too “ early to predict whether the increase in singlehood will lead to a decline in
marriage at all ages. Although singlehood is an increasingly popular alterna-
tive to traditional marriage, people are not necessarily rejecting marriage. The
Chapter 11 The Family 379
A majority of colonial dom” after leaving home and are unwilling to rush into the responsibilities Americans probably
implication is that many young adults wish to expand the period of “free- of early marriage and parenthood.
Boomerang Kids
The boomerang is a weapon that, when thrown, returns in a wide arc to its point of origin. The term boomerang kids is being applied to young adults who either leave home and return or stay at home and live with par- ents. American adults aged eighteen to thirty-four have a much higher prob- ability of living in their parents’ home than Americans of the same age thirty years ago. More than one-fourth of adults eighteen to thirty-four years old now live with their parents (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1996a).
Why are more adult children returning home? Increasing numbers of adult children are living with their parents for several reasons. Because young adults are marrying later, more stay at home longer. In addition, more are continuing their education and find living at home the best solution to the problem of supporting themselves and paying school expenses. Many young adults return home even after completing their education because the high cost of living outstrips their earning capacity. Also, since
parents tend to give their children a home after a failed mar-
riage, the high divorce rate is increasing the proportion of
young adults living at home.
What are some consequences of the boomerang effect? Costs associated with education, day-to-day living, and perhaps even a grandchild or two can create financial strain for older parents whose adult children live with them. Many parents complain that their adult children do not share in expenses or help around the house. The children’s pres- ence robs their parents of privacy and may prevent them from developing relationships with spouses and friends. It is not surprising that higher marital dissatisfaction among middle-aged parents is associated with adult children living at home.
Adult children who find themselves in this situation suffer as well. Adult children who have returned home have nor- mally been forced by circumstances to do so. They are likely to be having difficulties balancing school and work, making their way economically, forming a family, or surviving the af- termath of a divorce. They know the burden they represent. In addition, returning home usually means giving up some freedom.
In spite of these problems, most families appear to adjust well to the return of older children (Mitchell and Gee, 1996). This is especially true when the returning older child is able to help with expenses and household duties.
spent some time in a stepfamily.
Stephanie Coontz social historian
boomerang kids
adult children who return to the home of origin or who continue to live with parents
“Can’t I just stay here with you and Mom? I don’t like what I’ve seen of the real world.”
The thoughts of a boomerang kid. Mom and Dad are not buying it, are they?
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