ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the intergenerational transfer of wealth and resources from the parents of Millennials to their children, as a mechanism for coping with labour and housing insecurity. As Millennials finish education and enter the world of work, many experience labour market precariousness in the form of underemployment and unemployment, or find jobs with little security or potential for upward mobility. In order to manage this insecurity, Millennials often turn to their parents for various forms of support. The chapter draws upon a study of Millennial women in Canada, as well as a study of Millennials living in Toronto, Canada, to explore four forms of intergenerational transfer: money, professional connections, co-residence in the parental home, and care and emotional support. The author argues that this intergenerational transfer of resources is a form of privilege. Not all parents can financially support their children through their 20s, have the space for their adult children to live at home, or have the social capital to get their children meaningful work. As a result, an intragenerational divide emerges as some Millennials have a parental safety net that helps them cope with insecure work while other struggle to make it on their own.
