“It’s Give and Take”: Australian Families’ Experiences of Negotiating Financial and Domestic Contributions When Young Adults Return Home

Elyse Warner (), Claire Henderson-Wilson and Fiona Andrews
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Elyse Warner: Deakin University
Claire Henderson-Wilson: Deakin University
Fiona Andrews: Deakin University

Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 2017, vol. 38, issue 4, No 6, 555 pages

Abstract: Abstract Young adults are increasingly reliant on parental support, with co-residence as a result of a return home increasingly common. Despite this, little is known about how family members negotiate financial and domestic contributions post-return. This qualitative study used a phenomenological methodology to explore the experiences of Australian parents and young adults who returned to co-residence in terms of the younger family members’ contributions to their household. Findings revealed that the young adults acknowledged the need to contribute but often varied in how much assistance they offered. For the most part, the extent of this contribution reflected their parents’ actions; the tendency not to ask for assistance and undertake tasks themselves meant offspring were not given incentives to contribute. While this at times resulted in unmet expectations and frustration among parents, they continued to act in ways that favourably accommodated their offspring. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the negotiation between parents and young adults in regards to household contributions, and the need for further qualitative investigation in this area.

Keywords: Return to co-residence; Domestic contribution; Young adults; Parents; Australian qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1007/s10834-017-9520-0

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