Time to leave: Contextual and individual explanations for the timing of leaving home

Abstract

This dissertation examines heterogeneity in the timing of leaving home at the individual and contextual level. At the individual level, it addresses the well-established finding that young adults from separated families leave home earlier than those from two-parent families. How can these differences in the age at leaving home be explained? What is the role of resources and relationships in the parental home? This dissertation also addresses the concept of ‘linked lives’ by studying how the timing of leaving home is linked with returning home. At the contextual level, this dissertation zooms in on the role of policy in leaving home by studying the impact of student financial aid reforms on leaving home. Moreover, it addresses the question whether culture or structure can explain cross-national differences in the timing of leaving home.