‘Generation Rent’ and the ability to ‘settle down’: economic and geographical variation in young people’s housing transitions

Description

Presentation to Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) research group, James Hutton Institute

The term ‘Generation Rent’ denotes young people who are increasingly living in the private rented sector (PRS) for longer periods of their lives because they are unable to access homeownership or social housing. Drawing on qualitative data from two studies with key-actors and young people, this paper considers the phenomenon of Generation Rent as it relates to theories of youth transitions and the concept of ‘home’. These posit that young people leaving the parental home traverse the housing system until they reach a point of ‘settling down’ and establishing a secure home life. However, it is argued that prolonged living in the insecure PRS creates difficulties in this settling process which, in turn, are interwoven with family and labour market transitions. Taking a Scottish focus, this paper further highlights how the housing and economic issues facing Generation Rent are geographically nuanced. Thus, the ability to ‘settle down’ and establish a home is dependent on local as well as broader social and economic factors. We seek to develop this argument with reference to the challenges facing young people in rural areas.

Period	29 Oct 2015
Event title	‘Generation Rent’ and the ability to ‘settle down’: economic and geographical variation in young people’s housing transitions
Event type	Other
Sponsor