The Peter Pan Generation in Rhode Island and Nationally
The U.S. Census has put out a report contrasting the living conditions of young adults (18-34) over time. Some of the long-term data is stunning, such as the collapse of young adults who are married. Nationwide, in 1976, around 93% of women in their late 20s and 57% of women in their early 20s had been married; for men, the percentages were 75% and 38%. By 2014, these percentages had fallen to 46% and 17% for women and 32% and 10% for men.
One suspects a great deal of social and psychological pain can be explained by the fact that women with children have not decreased by as much. Whereas in 1976 the percentage of women who were married was substantially higher than the percentage who had children, those with children now outnumber those who are married.
It’s related data, available at the state level, that initially caught my eye, with reference to Millennials. From 2005 to 2015, the percentage of young adults living with their parents jumped up from 26.0%, nationwide, to 34.1%. Rhode Island had a bigger jump than the national average: from 28.6% to 37.1%. Rhode Island’s jump was the 15th biggest in the country (3rd biggest in New England).
As Aleister suggests at Legal Insurrection, perhaps young adults should stop pursuing useless degrees and start seeking rewarding careers in the trades. Along the way, they should also stop voting for politicians who promise them handouts but undermine the economy.