Abstract:
The ‘Boomerang Effect’ (BE) is a contemporary phenomenon in England and
wider Europe, referencing young adults who move out of their parents’
home to live independently but eventually return to live with their
parents again. Despite concerns about residential independence and the
intensification of BE due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is limited
qualitative data investigating it. This qualitative study utilises diary
methods to elicit the perspectives and experiences from six mother-young
adult child dyads in England for 21 days to enable holistic and dynamic
insights on the day-to-day exposures to the BE phenomenon. Findings
resulted in several salient themes: (1) prime concerns shaping living
arrangements, (2) framing of [participant] role, (3)
conceptualisation of [participant] identity, (4) nature of family
relations, (5) depiction of independence, and (6) perceived situational
input of Government. This work underscores the interdependent and
complex relationship between structure and agency manifest in the BE
context.
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This preprint contributes valuable knowledge to the existing
literature on the Boomerang Effect and offers nuanced insights into the
experiences of both young adults and their mothers as they navigate the
challenges and opportunities presented by this contemporary trend during
the Covid-19 pandemic. The implications of these findings may inform
policies and support systems to better address the needs of young adults
and families in the changing landscape of living arrangements.