I’ve been doing extensive genealogy research on my family tree. One of the things that has jumped out at me in looking at census documents back in the early 1900’s (and prior) was how many young adults back then lived with the “head of household” well into their 20’s. While I’m not dismissing concerns / criticisms about a portion of the current generation entering the job market (I have been doing hiring for 30+ years and I have seen firsthand examples of entitled mindsets or unrealistic expectations definitely on the rise) but I do also think the presumption that kids should be on their own by 18-20 is a phenomenon that is somewhat unique in the past couple of generations based on my own ancestry research.
My ancestors/ the same. Big groups living together in the Bronx. Married. Children. Etc. All working. Firefighters, bricklayers. The generation born before and during WWII started going to college Back in Ireland a few went to college - lawyers. Engineers
The census showed who lived there plus I heard stories. The census questioned what language they spoke and when did they apply for citizenship
Yes—but now that so many more people go to college, really “living on their own” is not expected until after undergrad or grad school is completed—meaning mid to late 20s.
My young adult children didn’t “live at home after 18” but that’s because they were away at college, and they DID live at home every summer until they were done with college.
Exactly.
1/2 of Gen Z is over 18. Under 18 it should be a given they are living at “home.”
1/4 of these kids are probably living at college. Some are in the military. Very few would be living out of the “home.”
1/4 of these kids are out of college. Probably a lot of them are living away from the parental home.
I doubt if these numbers are that different than they were for previous generations.
This story is much ado about nothing.