The Boomerang Kids Trend: A Sociological Analysis of Modern Families

This report provides a sociological analysis of the 'boomerang kids' trend, examining the phenomenon of young adults returning to live with their parents. The report explores the trend through the lenses of interactionism, family systems theory, and feminist theory. It highlights how individual choices, family backgrounds, and societal ideals influence this behavior. The report references relevant academic sources and discusses the implications of this trend on modern family structures and societal expectations, concluding that the 'boomerang kids' phenomenon challenges traditional notions of adulthood and independence. The report discusses the impact of this trend on the family unit and society at large, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying factors driving this shift in family dynamics. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural forces shaping the lives of both the returning young adults and their families.

Running head: THE RETURN OF THE BOOMERING KIDS 1
The Return of the Boomering Kids
Name
Institution

THE RETURN OF THE BOOMERING KIDS 2
The Return of the Boomering Kids
In the article, “Bomerang Kids Trend return in Latest Canadian Census,” the author talks
about a new trend that is emerging in Canada: the emergence of the boomerang kids. Boomerang
child is an adult who, after taking his own path in life and taking charge of his or her life, returns
to live with the family. Such adults return to live with their parents because they are incapable of
taking care of themselves. This implies that they do not have enough money to support their own
lives, hence, diverting the responsibility to their parents.
Ordinarily, boomerang child is a tendency that can be viewed as an act of irresponsibility.
The modern-day society does not expect an adult to depend on parents for support. This tendency
can, therefore, be explained and illuminated using the interactionism, family systems, and
feminist theories of family. The interactionism theory entails individual choices. It can explain
the new culture of boomerang child by saying that the adults make such choices because it is
their right to do so as long as they are convinced that it is the best thing to do. The author says,
“Young adults tend to move home after a traumatic moment in their lives” (Jonathan, 2012).The
family systems theory can explain the behavior by explaining that it is influenced by the family
background in which one lives (Sandberg‐Thoma, Snyder & Jang, 2015). Once the family
tolerates such acts and creates room for it, the children will do it as long as it is viewed as an
acceptable practice. Lastly, the feminist theory can allow some adults to make such decisions if it
is justified by the feminist ideals of the society. The writer says, “Many older adults have that
problem” and “Adults think it’s going to be the solution to their problems” (Jonathan, 2012). For
example, if a female believes that she has to be dependent on the family for support, she will not
be bothered to be a boomerang kid who goes back to live with her parents as they believe that it
is the responsibility of the parents to support their children regardless of their age.

THE RETURN OF THE BOOMERING KIDS 3
In conclusion, boomerang child is an old practice that should not be, in any way,
associated with the modern-day generation. It is a worrying trend that shows how dynamic the
institution of family is. Today, all the adults are expected to be autonomous and responsible
people who not only care for themselves, but can also support the parents as much as they can.

THE RETURN OF THE BOOMERING KIDS 4
References
Jonathan, H. (2012). “Bomerang Kids Trend return in Latest Canadian Census,” Ontario:
Canadian Press.
Sandberg‐Thoma, S. E., Snyder, A. R., & Jang, B. J. (2015). Exiting and returning to the parental
home for boomerang kids. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(3), 806-818.