The Impact of coresidence trajectories on personal networks during transition to adulthood: a comparative perspective

Abstract

The chapter concerns the co-residence trajectories and personal networks of young adults in three different national contexts (Portugal, Switzerland, Lithuania) as factors impacting the composition of personal relationships at particular life–stage. The research reveals that despite the generalized postponement of the transition to parenthood, a fair diversity of co–residence trajectories in this life–stage exist, both within and across the three countries. Historical and social context is crucial in explaining the diversity. Co–residence is a consistent and strong predictor of personal networks in early stage of the life course, even if other factors are also key for the range of diversity found in young adults’ configurations of personal relationships.