To the (New York Times) Editor:
Karen L. Fingerman and Frank F. Furstenberg (Op-Ed, May 31) argue that it’s a healthy sign that so many recent college graduates are returning to their hometowns to live with their parents. They write, “Although this parental support seems to be a good thing, the new arrangements also rankle many people and violate ideals of autonomy that have long prevailed in this nation.”
There is another American ideal under threat here: mobility, and especially upward mobility. That well-educated young folks are moving in with their well-educated mothers and fathers may not cause the problem that smaller, poorer American cities can’t attract college graduates (“A College Gap Leaves Some Cities Behind,” news article, May 31). But it can’t help.
Ms. Fingerman and Mr. Furstenberg write: “Forty years ago, the news media were filled with reports of a generation gap. Let’s be grateful that we’ve finally solved that problem.” Today, the reports are about the income gap. I wonder if we have replaced one gap with another.
PAUL S. STATT
Philadelphia, May 31, 2012
Paul Statt Communications 