First Published in 2002

In recent years there has been a trend among young people across Europe towards remaining longer in their parental homes. Many reasons have been suggested for this change in demographic patterns, but Teresa Jurado Guerrero’s study of France and Spain represents the first in-depth cross-national analysis of this important social and economic issue.

The book provides systematic comparisons of living arrangements at cross-national, cross-regional and individual levels and examines the results of two large-scale national surveys. It investigates the relevance of young people’s employment situations, social policies related to youth, national and regional housing markets and family norms, and identifies policy measures which would encourage early home-leaving and family formation.

The book exposes the existence and effects of different national and individual strategies surrounding the process of becoming socially independent, and offers unique insights into an issue of key relevance for parents, young people, researchers and policy makers.