Fourth Draft

Abstract

Economic independence is an important indicator of the transition to adulthood. This chapter portrays the level of economic independence among young adults, aged 18 to 32, in seven industrialized countries. The cross-national variations we uncover help us to understand how work, family, and comparative income packages affect economic self-sufficiency. In all countries, young women are less able than young men to become economically independent through market work alone. The ability to support a family is affected more by government transfers than the ability to support ones self. We also find that family support through additional income, the provision of housing, and caring labor and decisions to have roommates are clearly important to the economic well-being of young adults. In closing, we suggest several avenues for future research