Causes and consequences of late leaving home decisions of young adults in southern Europe: a systematic review

Abstract

This systemaƟc review examines the causes and consequences of delay in leaving home decisions of young-adults in Southern Europe, with a parƟcular focus on Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Methodologically rigorous, the review follows PRISMA-2020 guidelines, drawing on 27 studies aŌer a comprehensive literature search on the Web of Science database. Based on the arƟcles reviewed, the key causes of this delay in emancipaƟon were strong family Ɵes, job insecuriƟes, inadequate youth policies, unemployment, and insufficient government spending on youth support. The consequences of this delay are significant, and they include: low ferƟlity rates, reduced youth acƟvism, and delayed independence. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies that address the socio-economic and cultural barriers inhibiƟng youth emancipaƟon in Southern Europe.