Youth, precarity and the future: Undergraduate housing transitions in Portugal during the economic crisis

Abstract

This article examines the housing transitions of young people studying at universities in Lisbon, Portugal. With Portuguese youth already staying within the parental home for prolonged periods, the present discussion asks if the economic crisis is likely to make a further impact upon the housing behaviour of respondents. Issues explored include housing decision-making, involvement in domestic tasks and support received from parents. The results confirm that the majority of these young people intend to prolong their stays in the parental home due to the crisis, with their housing choices strongly linked to financial considerations and employment stability.