| The changing social and economic climates of the 1980s and early 1990s had the potential to increase coresidency between parents and their adult children. This dissertation draws from the life course, macro-structural and exchange theories in order to illustrate the forces that influenced launching and returning behavior during this period. Using data from the 1987--1988 and 1992--1994 waves of the National Survey of Families and Households, this dissertation examines the launching and returning patterns of young adults within a broad historical context. Data from both survey waves are used to identify the period's coresidence trends, examine launching and return motivations, examine gender and racial/ethnic variances in launching times and return rates, analyze how family structure and support predict age of launching and return, and describe coresident family exchange relationships. Findings suggest that the economic recession exerted less influence than expected, and returning adult children usually had failed in their transition attempts. Virtually all young adults left home, using the transition to gain independence. Marriage was the next most common basis for leaving. Parental assistance enabled children to maintain an independent residence, however this help can also encouraged future temporary returns. While the launching experiences of minority and majority populations were more similar than in the past, there are factors that encourage minorities to delay launching. The launching experiences of men and women were similar, as well, however women were more likely to maintain their independence, perhaps because of the more traditional gender roles reflected in coresidential familial exchange. |
