Children of the ‘Ownership Society’ Prefer Renting (Not Just Housing)

Millenials (18 to 34-year-olds) appear to be more interested in renting than their parents were, as a recent survey indicates that this group is more interested in sharing. A recent Zipcar survey also asked respondents about their willingness to participate in other sharing programs. Some have called this a “collaborative consumptive economy” in which children who grew up in an ownership society now would rather rent a lot of things instead.

The demographic and generational shifts to urbanism indicate that people are more interested in sharing than in personal ownership, particularly with a move away from homeownership. Some observers believe that this could make apartment living more desirable and put an end to the stigma associated with renting. Other trends include a move to more public parks rather than private yards, the use of rented bikes rather than cars, and the development of mixed-use street fronts rather than cul-de­ sacs. Many applaud this change as eco-friendly.

From “The Rise of the Sharing Economy” http://bit.ly/skgoEm

The Atlantic (12/11) Badger, Emily