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The Boomerang Generation: Value of Sociology

Student’s Name:

Institutional Affiliation:

Course:

Date:
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Value of Sociology

Biases

I have a personal bias regarding the Boomerang Generation trend, which tends to see

this family phenomenon through the prism of independence and self-sufficiency. According

to me, adult children returning home after graduation show a lack of ambition or autonomy.

This resulted from my upbringing in a household that stressed the value of early financial

freedom and independence. On a societal level, there is a pervasive belief that Boomerang

Generation families somehow fail to create self-sufficient people. This presumption

frequently stigmatises families and adult children participating in the trend, painting them as

unmotivated or unaspirational (Evans et al., 2022).

Theories and Perspectives

Reducing prejudices and refuting these presumptions through sociological ideas and

viewpoints is possible. For example, using the symbolic interactionist approach enables us to

see that the return of adult children may only sometimes indicate a lack of ambition or

laziness. Instead, it might be viewed as a reaction to the shifting economic landscape, where

issues with money, student loan debt, and a competitive job market are significant factors

(Charmaz et al., 2019). Sociologists can give evidence to refute the idea that all members of

the Boomerang Generation need more ambition by examining statistics on young adults'

economic status. Moreover, the conflict perspective can also help us understand the structural

causes of the Boomerang Generation trend. Sociological studies can show how differences in

housing costs, economic possibilities, and educational access influence people's decision to

return home.

Personal and Professional Lives

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The complex processes that shape families and the societal factors that affect them are

better understood within the context of sociological ideas and viewpoints. The structural-

functional viewpoint, for instance, can assist people and experts in analysing how various

family components interact and contribute to overall family stability or dysfunction when

dealing with familial difficulties like intergenerational disputes or altering family

responsibilities (Burn & Szoeke, 2016). This viewpoint makes it easier to comprehend how

changes in one area, such as economic variables or cultural norms, can influence the whole

family system. Furthermore, sociological theories promote critical thinking and dispel

prejudices and preconceived conceptions. By adopting the symbolic interactionist approach,

individuals and professionals can investigate the micro-level interactions and symbolic

meanings within families. This viewpoint enables a more comprehensive understanding of

the experiences of family members and promotes better communication and conflict

resolution (Charmaz et al., 2019).

Evidence-Based Response

Best Practices

Housing authorities and community organisations have implemented

"multigenerational living support programmes" as an adequate reaction to the adverse effects

of the Boomerang Generation trend. These initiatives offer support and services to families

struggling financially due to adult children moving back in. Workshops on financial literacy,

counselling services for parents and adult children, and help with home improvements to

accommodate bigger family units are frequently included (Tosi, 2020). Furthermore,

educational programmes that promote open communication within families and reasonable

expectations for all members have successfully minimised disputes brought on by this

tendency (Evans et al., 2022).

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Response

I suggest creating "Transition Support Centres" in nearby communities and educational

institutions to combat the adverse effects of the Boomerang Generation trend. These facilities

would provide a wide range of services designed for the families of adult children coming

home and for them. Financial counselling, career guidance, job placement assistance for adult

children looking for employment or higher education, and family counselling sessions to

improve communication and conflict resolution techniques could be offered as services to

help families manage the financial challenges brought on by this trend. These facilities also

host conferences and seminars to inform families about the Boomerang Generation trend,

possible repercussions, and coping mechanisms for the altered dynamics of family life.

Successful

The "Transition Support Centres" suggested are likely effective because they

incorporate the crucial elements recognised as best practices in combating the detrimental

effects of the Boomerang Generation trend. According to research, the best ways to manage

and reduce the difficulties this familial tendency brings include financial help and coaching,

job development tools, family counselling, and educational programmes (Tosi, 2020). These

resources may be found all in one place, making it easier for families and returning adult

children to get comprehensive assistance catered to their requirements. The strategy also

recognises that the Boomerang Generation trend affects family relationships, communication,

professional goals, and economic issues, all of which must be addressed holistically for a

successful response. The possibility that this strategy will be effective in enhancing family

well-being and results is increased since it is guided by the lessons discovered from earlier

successful projects and fits with the multidimensional nature of the issues provided by the

Boomerang Generation trend.

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References

Burn, K., & Szoeke, C. (2016). Boomerang families and failure-to-launch: Commentary on

adult children living at home. Maturitas, 83, 9-12.

Charmaz, K., Harris, S. R., & Irvine, L. (2019). The social self and everyday life:

Understanding the world through symbolic interactionism. John Wiley & Sons.

Evans, V. L., Ferrier, P. J., Pugh, S. M., Bohecker, L., & Edwards, N. N. (2022). Coresidence

is Not a Failure to Launch or Boomerang Children. The Family Journal, 30(3), 459–

465.

Tosi, M. (2020). Boomerang kids and parents’ well-being: adaptation, stressors, and social

norms. European Sociological Review, 36(3), 460–473.