Young adults in the Western world have adapted to financial constraint by sharing accommodation and combining resources. Far from traditional stigma associated with these households the social benefits are considered on a par with economic pragmatism. Until recently the literature on young peer group‐living was sparse. Due to a rise in research interest, the area is experiencing a period of invigoration, particularly with regard to how interpersonal relationships work in the close confines of domestic intimacy. The paper provides an overview of what is currently known about the social psychology of young adult house sharing. The concept of sharing is introduced, followed by possible reasons for the lack of research. Next, the extant research is reviewed and this includes construction of preferred and desirable flatmates; avoiding complications; social psychological advantages; conflict; and how the social dynamics of peer group households are perceived. A fine balance between acceptable and objectionable behaviour is necessary across a number of spheres. Further studies are needed to contribute to better understanding of young adults who share and document the delicate dynamics associated with these unique domestic arrangements. Peer group living needs to be clearly represented if government policies are to offer youth housing not predicated on the normative assumptions of household composition.

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This study examines the explanations and justifications offered by those engaged in selecting housemates. The rationale for the research follows the recent housing demographic, whereby shared living has become increasingly popular among young adults in Western countries. This study sought to address the surprising lacuna in the extant research through the application of discursive psychology to understanding prejudice and discrimination within the context of contemporary social and political sanctions against openly discussing prejudice. Data were drawn from interviews with young New Zealanders aged from early twenties to early thirties who were experienced with house sharing. Detailed results are presented involving discrimination based on age, gender, and ethnicity. The study found that rigid narrow preferences were stated with respect to age, gender was less important, and ethnicity was talked about cautiously, especially if there was the possibility of significant cultural differences or language barriers.

Shared living among young adults is an increasingly widespread way of life in the Western world, yet surprisingly little is known about this lifestyle. The rationale for this research was to increase understanding of the social dynamics of these non-kin households. Data was obtained from interviews with experienced New Zealand house sharers aged 20 to 35. Detailed discourse analysis is presented of housemate desirability with three key discourses involved. First, ideal coresidents are acutely aware of the necessity for a fine balance between being sufficiently sociable with each other, while simultaneously respecting the necessity of individual privacy and independence. Second, those with similar lifestyles, life stages, values, and expectations of each other are more conducive to compatibility. Third, mutual trust and feeling comfortable with housemates is imperative. The current research provides a window into contemporary lives of young adults and contributes to a broader knowledge of how nonfamilial relationships can work successfully or fail in the intimate confines of domesticity.

The rationale for this study was to contribute to the surprising paucity of research on the topic of shared housing among young adults and particularly the explanations and justifications involved in selecting new flatmates. The study aimed to develop greater understanding of the required discrimination involved in choosing acceptable people for the intimacy of shared living, which conflicts with current taboos against openly discussing prejudice. Data were drawn from interviews with experienced house sharers in New Zealand, recently involved in the selection of new housemates. The analysis examines how people with mental or substance abuse problems are discursively constructed as acceptable or unsuitable. Stigma, stereotyping, and discrimination were evident but rejection was framed in terms of safety, economic concerns, social harmony, and past bad experiences. Mental illness was acceptable providing it was unproblematic and invisible. While recreational soft drug use was condoned, hard drugs and frequent use were not.