Independence, individualism and connection among share householders

How do young people who are financially dependent on their parents but living in share households conceive of the concept of independence? The meanings of independence are discussed in relation to a qualitative study of young people who described themselves as independent although they accepted money on a regular basis from their parents. Their descriptions of independence drew heavily on individualism through an emphasis on individual choice and responsibility. However, this individualism was underpinned by the importance of negotiating familial relationships. The findings suggest that young people's claims to choice and independence need to be interpreted in the context of ongoing connections with others.