Growing trend: Number of adults living with parents increases among Poles
Living with parents beyond a certain age is considered by many to be a matter of shame. A significant taboo has developed around the subject, with those who live with their parents often contemptuously referred to as "failed fledglings." Statistics Poland (GUS) took a closer look at this issue.
Living with parents after a certain age is often seen as a failure of both the adult child and their guardians. This arrangement is sometimes justified by the health of the parents or their descendants, convenience, or a desire to assist the elderly. Nonetheless, in popular culture, adults living with their parents are disparagingly called "failed fledglings."
Related
- Distressing data: Number of suicide attempts by children and young people increases
- Living with parents: Zoomers’ dramatic struggle
- Poland among the happiest in the EU. Do Germans really envy Poles?
- Psychologist warns of job burnout among young influencers
- Exploring ‘hopecore’: A new trend helping Zoomers overcome the fear of the world
The term, originating from zoology, describes animals unable to function independently after birth, primarily birds. Now, "failed fledglings" is also used to describe humans in this situation.
How many "failed fledglings" live in Poland?
European statistics on "failed fledglings" have been examined by Statistics Poland (GUS). The GUS study, titled "Poland in the European Union 2024," reveals that Poles leave their family homes later than their counterparts in other European countries. According to the research, 52.9% of Poles aged 25 to 34 live with their parents. On average, Poles leave home at the age of 28.2, while Polish women do so at 26. In Europe, the average age is 27.2 for men and 25.4 for women.
Poland is among the countries where over 50% of adults live with their parents, placing it alongside Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Croatia. In contrast, Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Finland have much lower percentages of "failed fledglings," ranging from 3.4% to 9.9%.
Can Poles be considered self-serving?
Many people criticise Poles who choose to live with their parents, labelling them as self-serving or pantywaists. Defenders, however, argue that the issue is not attachment to parents but rather the high cost of living alone and the difficulties in buying or renting an apartment. The housing market in Poland is currently dominated by property flippers, who significantly inflate housing prices.
One commenter on the report wrote on X: "The term ‘failed fledglings’ for people living with their parents is offensive and stigmatising, as it implies laziness or a lack of independence. Such labels can lead to the unfair stigmatisation of individuals who, for various reasons, choose or are forced to live with their families." The report fails to consider those who live with their parents out of necessity, such as caring for elderly family members.
