The proportion of individuals aged 25-34 who live with their parents, referred to as gniazdownicy, has decreased by 15.5 percent from 2018 to 2022, Statistics Poland (GUS) said in a recent report, highlighting a notable trend in the living arrangements of young adults in the country.
This demographic now totals 1.7 million people, Polish state news agency PAP has reported.
Gniazdownicy, Poland's answer to Italy's Mammoni, or mama’s boys, are characterized as unmarried and childless adults who continue to reside in their parental homes.
The decline in the number of stay-at-home sons and daughters suggests a gradual shift towards greater independence among young Polish adults.
However, the report underscores the need for continued economic development and support for young people to facilitate this transition.
Policies aimed at improving job prospects and making housing more affordable could play a crucial role in supporting young adults in achieving financial independence and moving out of their parental homes.
The report provides insights into the socioeconomic conditions contributing to this phenomenon. In areas with limited job opportunities and lower wages, young adults often find it challenging to afford independent living.
Additionally, the housing market conditions in Poland, including high property prices and rental costs, further exacerbate this issue, making it financially impractical for many to move out.
The geographical distribution of gniazdownicy varies significantly across Poland. The highest concentrations are found in the south-central Świętokrzyskie region and in Podkarpackie and Lubelskie provinces in the east.
Meanwhile, the lowest numbers are in the central Mazowieckie region, which includes the capital Warsaw, as well as Pomorskie province in the north, and Dolnośląskie in the southwest.
This distribution correlates with regional differences in economic conditions, educational attainment and employment opportunities.
Men constitute a significant majority of gniazdownicy, representing 63 percent of this group. This gender disparity is reflective of broader social and economic factors influencing young men's decisions to remain in the parental home.
Educational and employment patterns also play a critical role. For example, in regions with higher levels of unemployment, particularly in eastern Poland and rural areas, young adults are more likely to live with their parents due to economic necessity.
A significant factor is the cultural aspect of family life in Poland. Traditionally, Polish families have strong ties, and it is common for young adults to remain with their parents until they are financially stable and ready to start their own families.
This cultural norm is more pronounced in certain regions, contributing to the regional disparities observed in the report.
The data for the study is derived from administrative sources such as the national population register (PESEL) and the National Health Fund (NFZ), collected as part of a five-year data cycle.
These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the population's living arrangements and offer insights into trends shifting over time, the PAP news agency reported.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP
