Although Americans of all ages have endured the economic and social changes ushered in by a shift from an industrial to a technology- and service-based economy, today’s young adults are the first to experience its full weight as they try to start their lives. But the challenges facing young adults also reflect the failure of public policy to address the changing realities of starting, and building, a career and family in 21st century America. As America’s 20- and 30-somethings are working to get into the middle class, they’re being hit by a one-two punch: the economy no longer generates widespread opportunity, and our public policies haven’t evolved to pick up any of the slack. And in many cases, public policy has exacerbated the problems young people face.
