While the coronavirus has immobilized the majority of Americans, young adults and students experiencing unreliable employment and unaffordable housing are returning to their family homes.
In this country, admitting “I live with my parents” can be seen as a massive discredit to one’s perceived motivation and abilities. America is known as “the land of opportunity” where success should be achievable for any driven individual. Adults over 25 who live “in their parents’ basement” are typically stigmatized as lethargic, unambitious misfits who do not belong in this fast-paced society.
However, the pandemic has drastically changed how Americans perceive multiple generations sharing a home (multi-generational housing). In early September 2020, Pew Research Center published a study reporting that over 50% of the young adults in America are now living with their parents, an unseen percentage since the Great Depression.
Multi-generational houses are most common in poverty-stricken countries where large families have no choice but to make use of their single living space. Even if not a financially-necessary living arrangement, many cultures retain an expectation for the personal care of elders. Chinese, Native American and Mexican cultures have some of the highest reported multi-generational housing.
In contrast, Americans are used to a level of independence and prosperity that makes living with family for a prolonged period of time undesirable; we are not a family-based culture. Michael Kerwin, a geography professor at DU who has traveled to Thailand and South Africa, remarked, “Americans are so independent that it is ingrained in our culture.”
The dysfunctionality of American families is demonstrated by the increasing rates of domestic violence in recent months. However, the widely-recognized benefits of multi-generation housing are shown by the majority of young adults moving back in with their parents.
Developers do not build with intentional design because there has always been a constant housing demand no matter what the buildings look like. As a result, they create housing that does not work for young adults who are determined to live independently. The future ought to be widespread, affordable, innovative and family-based homes. Intentional design is key.
“You can see the greed of developers,” Kerwin said. “It doesn’t matter to them architecturally, sustainably or from a human health perspective [what new buildings look like].”
Multi-gen homes were gaining popularity before the pandemic, but they are now even more common. Some houses are being built with separate entryways, laundry rooms, garages and kitchens. They achieve the separation and privacy that independent Americans covet under a single roof.
These homes are ideal for national and familial health crises alike. Families are able to create their own social “bubble,” which averts the mental health concerns that accompany quarantine and self-isolation.
The elder generations can live and build memories with their loved ones instead of isolating in assisted living as they face illness or infirmity. “Multi-generational families certainly play an important role in preventing isolation and loneliness among older family members,” remarked Helen Hazen, a geography professor at DU with specialties in health and sustainability.
The younger generations profit from familial sociality as well. “It’s nice to have people to talk to when I’m feeling stressed and someone who makes my food for me and helps clean,” said Elizabeth Rouse, a third-year student at DU who has been living with her grandparents after study abroad was canceled.
Multi-gen housing is also economically-enticing. Millennials can focus on paying their student loans. Grandparents can eliminate the cost of childcare, supervising children in a safe environment while parents work from home. The cost of assisted living or nursing home is no longer necessary. The house has a single mortgage which multiple incomes could contribute toward.
“It’s fiscally pragmatic,” remarked Rouse.
At the foundation of the argument for multi-generational housing is an appreciation for a family-based culture that has historically persisted through the toughest of times and in the poorest of countries. Yes, these homes are helpful during this pandemic. Yes, they have economic incentives. But an American appreciation of family values is long overdue.
