Christian Smith and social forces affecting young people

Christian Smith has written an interesting essay about demographic and social changes for young people. Scot McKnight summarizes it helpful as follows:

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"Many today calls this “emergent hood” and so I’ve called them “EGens.”

Four social forces:
1. Growth in higher education to an expectation for many if not all.

2. Delay of marriage — average male marries at 27.

3. American and global economy that destabilizes careers.

4. Parents willing to extend financial support much longer than previously.

Manifestations in Christianity and Church:
1. The content and texture of the faith shifts for EGens.

2. The family life is not as stable.

3. EGens may miss church attendance for 15-20 years.

4. EGens participate in ual serial monogamy — a series of partners.

5. EGens expect financial independence before marriage."

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Lots of claims are made about young people and how it will affect the church, but these seem relevant and believable.