Family life

In a cultural shift, the extended family is on the rise after generations of decline.

A Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data found that the number of Americans living in multigenerational households has grown about a third since 1980 to about 16 percent of the population. That is below the 25 percent of the population in multigenerational families in 1940, but up from 12 percent in 1980.

In 2008, there were 2.6 million more Americans in multigenerational households than in 2007.

"The Waltons are back," declared Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center.

Of the 49 million Americans living in extended families, nearly half are in households made up of two adult generations, with the youngest adult at least 25 years old. Almost as many live in households with three or more generations.

Also notable is the share of older people living in multigenerational households. Once at 57 percent in 1900, it dropped to 17 percent in 1980 but has now gone up to 20 percent.

The decline in multigenerational families was caused by several factors, including the desire for older Americans to live alone as well as a societal trend toward institutional care for senior citizens.

But financial difficulties of young and old are causing more Americans to live together. Boomerang kids who had left the home are returning after losing jobs in the recession or finding it difficult to make ends meet financially. The recession and rising unemployment have accelerated the trend.

Analysts note that the growth of extended families has been helped by larger single-family homes that can accommodate larger families.

Demographers say it is too early to tell if the Waltons are back to stay. The trend may be driven more by economic necessity rather than a marked change in societal attitudes or values. But maybe it will continue as families once again take on more responsibility for each other and learn what the Waltons still have to offer.