Stuck with their parents and childless: how Gen Z can’t grow up

February 23, 2026 - 17:33

A new study reveals that Generation Z is facing an even more protracted journey to traditional adulthood than the millennials before them. Soaring housing costs, significant student debt, and a volatile job market are creating a perfect storm, forcing many young adults to postpone major life milestones.

The research indicates that more Gen Zers are living with their parents well into their twenties, delaying independent homeownership. Furthermore, trends show a marked decline in early marriage and childbirth rates within this demographic. The financial foundation required for such steps—stable, well-paying careers and the ability to save—remains frustratingly out of reach for many.

Experts point to a combination of stagnant wages and inflated living expenses as the core issue. This economic squeeze is fundamentally reshaping the timeline of early adulthood. The consequence is a generation navigating an extended period of financial dependency and uncertainty, redefining what it means to "grow up" in the modern economy. The study suggests these patterns are not merely a choice but a necessary response to persistent structural challenges.