【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. multigenerational /ˌmʌl tiˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃə nl, ˌmʌl taɪ-/ (adj.) – referring to more than one generation of a family or a society
Example: Multigenerational families often live in huge houses.
2. live under one roof /lɪv ˈʌn dər wʌn ruf, rʊf/ (idiom) – to share a home, especially for people who have close relationships
Example: During the summer vacation, the whole family lives under one roof for a month.
3. immigrant /ˈɪm ɪ grənt/ (n.) – a person who comes to another country to live there permanently
Example: She is an Asian-American because her grandparents were immigrants from Japan.
4. generation gap /ˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃən gæp/ (n.) – refers to distinguishable differences on how two or more generations think
Example: My grandfather and I often argue because of our generation gap.
5. rebellion /rɪˈbɛl yən/ (n.) – the manner of openly resisting or opposing the authority of something or someone
Example: Skipping school and defying one’s parents are just phases of teenage rebellion.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Living in a multigenerational home is becoming a common living preference for many young adults in the United States, a research reported in July.
According to the study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 18 percent of the population in the United States is living in a multigenerational household. The majority of the percentage is young adults between ages 25 and 34. Results further show that one out of four young adults is estimated to live under one roof with parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles.
Richard Fry, economist and co-author of the study, specified several factors leading to the rise of multigenerational living. The biggest factor is financial difficulty. Because of economic downturns, many young adults below 25 face unemployment and are forced to move back in with their family.
Another factor is the demographic increase of immigrants in the country. Immigrants in the United States are more likely to live in a multigenerational home than native-born Americans.
Behavioral generation gap is also among the factors causing the increase. For instance, young adults today choose to marry later than young adults in the 1980s, who usually marry in their early 20s. This behavioral change leads to fewer married couples, who are most likely to consider living independently.
The last factor is the desire for stronger familial relationships of today’s generation. Donna Butts, an advocate for the welfare of children, youth, and adults, says that the youth was more concerned with rebellion, self-identity, and independence thirty years ago. But nowadays, people prefer to create stronger and more affectionate relationships with their family. This has led to a more positive attitude towards multigenerational living.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Which do you prefer, independent living or multigenerational living? Why?
· Is multigenerational living common in your country? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· Do you agree that today’s generation desires for stronger familial relationships? Why or why not?
· How can family members strengthen their relationship with each other?
