These residences probably changed authority patterns by giving young people more independence than they would have at home. The authors also note that migration could be a family strategy in which the whole family moved. In the West, lodging has virtually disappeared in the 20th century and single people are more likely to maintain their own residences. In addition, being free of parental supervision and control can allow children to redefine their values and behavior and expose themselves to new ideas. Parents will also adjust their behavior to fit the new economic relationship.
Children are more removed from parental protection.
The authors suggest that one consequence of children's increased separation from the household is a decrease in the control parents have over their children's marriage decisions. This freedom is more likely to benefit sons and sons-in laws than daughters, however. Extended schooling can delay marriage, although South Asia is an exception here. Higher income, however, can lead to earlier marriages when it means earlier independence and autonomy, but none of the societies completely fit this pattern. Studies of S. A. suggest the significance of declining mortality in a society where spouses are traditional far apart in age.