The Rise of Multigenerational Living in America
What is causing increased multigenerational living in America? Is it a problem?
Multigenerational households – those with two or more generations living under one roof – are growing increasingly common in America.
A recent report from Pew Research Center reveals that “a quarter of U.S. adults ages 25 to 34 resided in a multigenerational family household in 2021, up from 9% in 1971.” Although that age cohort boasts the most dramatic increase, the percent of all age groups living in multigenerational households has risen since 1971 from 7% to 18%.
As right-wingers, we of course support family values. But family values and multigenerational living are not identical. After all, the creation of families typically involves younger generations eventually leaving the nest. And while adults living with their parents is a fairly common arrangement in Europe, it is less so in America.
The rise in multigenerational living is likely the result of multiple factors. Still, a Pew Research study from last October “found that financial issues are a major reason why adults live in multigenerational households.” Indeed, those with at least a bachelor’s degree are far less likely to live in a multigenerational home. Since 1971, this cohort has increased from 8% to 16%. However, those with some college or less increased in that same time from 10% to 31%.
There are many reasons why many in the younger generations are not finding the same success as their parents: the 2008 recession, mass immigration, outsourcing, overpriced college tuition, inflation, bad covid policy, and soaring housing costs, to name a few.
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