| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis aims to examine how young adults’ life trajectories shape pathways to homeownership in Vilnius. The thesis introduces the life course perspective and its application in sociological housing research. It discusses the housing pathways perspective and the subjective meaning of home in sociology. The Lithuanian housing system, challenges of housing access among young adults, the norm of homeownership, and the role of family in young people’s housing pathways are also reviewed. An empirical qualitative study was conducted, consisting of 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews with young adults born between 1990 and 2000 who had acquired owner-occupied housing in the city of Vilnius. The interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that young adults’ housing pathways are non-linear and include repeated returns to the parental home as well as periods of renting, which were often perceived as temporary and unstable. The decision to acquire owner-occupied housing was encouraged by fatigue from temporariness, financial support from family, and the stabilization of romantic partnerships. Homeownership was perceived as part of a long-term partnership and relationship development, associated with stability, a shared future, and family formation. Previous housing experiences shaped expectations regarding housing location, environment, and the understanding of home, while the feeling of home in owner-occupied housing developed gradually. Homeownership was associated with feelings of stability, control, security, and adulthood. The study shows that although homeownership remains a normative life goal in Lithuania, opportunities to achieve it are unequal and strongly dependent on family support and partnership. |
