American kids often leave home at 18. This is rooted in American cultural values regarding independence. Indian kids, on the other hand, will live with their parents as adults, due in part to strong family values, economic factors and social values regarding collective living and interdependence.
Cultural Differences: Independence vs. Interdependence
In the United States, leaving at 18 is a milestone that marks adulthood, independence, and self reliance. Moreover, parents and society want children to experience “life on their own”, whether it be for university, work, or time to develop themselves. Conversely, Indian culture emphasizes collectivism and interconnected families; families and family connections are essential to daily life, and many decisions, such as where to live, are often done together. Living at home with family is not only expected, even valued in many cultures, but ‘leaving’ home before marriage, or for any reason other than education (in many communities) is seen as unusual or disregarding social norms.
Economic and Practical Factors
Economic issues are a common denominator in both countries, but the results will look different. In America, student loans, housing on campus, and part time employment provide the opportunity for young adults to assert their independence and undertake the transition into adulthood. For example, young adults often live independently or with a roommate. Independence and/or roommate living is normalized. In India, the cost of living, competitive job markets, and convenience of living at home, where all resources are shared, makes living with family often the most practical. Some young adults in India may not express a desire to move out as both practical and emotional needs are filled by family life.
Social Expectations and Milestones
Marriage is a prominent milestone for children leaving home in India, although young Americans typically live on their own several years prior to marriage. For young Indian men, marriage can signify the beginnings of a family unit- for young Indian women marriage means a transfer to her husband’s family. Expectations about women’s safety, especially in India, and where women are expected to tend to and protect the family unit from outside threats also complicate decisions around moving out. Many families want to keep their daughters at home until marriage or stable employment.
Culture is clearly a complex part of the conversation, but the distinction around moving out of home in India and America is centered around many different traditions, economic realities, and the importance of family versus individual autonomy, which ultimately make the age of moving out a representation of different values and expectations.
This content is for informational purposes only and reflects general cultural practices. Individual experiences may vary.
Vani Verma is a content writer with over 2 years of experience in lifestyle, entertainment, health and digital media. She has a knack for creating engaging and research-driven content that resonates with readers, blending creativity with clarity. Passionate about media trends, culture, and storytelling, she strives to craft content that informs, inspires, and connects.
