Favara, M., Ford, K., Mihaylova, J., Sánchez, A. & T. Tanima (2026). Young Lives Two Decades of Findings and Future Research Opportunities: Family Lives. Legacy Report. Young Lives.

This report presents key findings from over 20 years of Young Lives’ quantitative and qualitative data and research on experiences of family lives, and how gender inequalities have an impact on life outcomes for young people and their families. It also highlights the study’s significant contribution to related policy debates, showcases impact case studies, presents the latest trends based on preliminary analysis of Round 7 data and sets out unique opportunities for future research.

Key findings show:

  • Gender disparities widen significantly in adolescence – across education, socio-emotional skills, household roles and responsibilities, and risks of early marriage and parenthood.
  • Early marriage has intergenerational impacts: children born to mothers under 18 tend to have lower birthweights and shorter height-for-age, effects that continue into adolescence.