Thursday, September 30, 2010

Multi-Generational Habitation

I have seen several articles lately on extended families moving in together during this time of recession. As a Walton's fan, I have to say I think this is a good thing! Here are some excerpts from several articles I have seen on the internet, in USA Today and in All You magazine:

"More families, friends move in together reports the recession is causing more people to double-up to save money. Grown children returning home. Brothers and sisters moving in together. Families taking in grandparents. Friends living in the basement. Fueled by the dismal economy and high unemployment, more Americans — friends and families — are doubling up.

From 2005 to 2009, family households added about 3.8 million extended family members, from adult siblings and in-laws to cousins and nephews. Extended family members now make up 8.2% of family households, up from 6.9% in 2005, according to Census data out this week.

"Clearly, a big part of that is the economic recession and housing costs," says Stephanie Coontz, co-chair of the Council on Contemporary Families, a non-profit research association. "We're seeing a shift away from the 1950s and 1960s mentality against extended families."
The number of people in non-family households — those whose members are not related — grew 4.4% from 2005 to 2009, faster than the 3.4% growth for family households.

Single Mom Jenna was happy to have brother Cade move in with her to help out with handy-man chores, give her daughter a male role-model and, of course, help pay the rent. Cade loves having someone around and not paying his astromical condo fees, so it has been a good move for all.

So what about you, blogger friends? Has this affected anyone out there??

No comments:

Post a Comment