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.
