Parental neglect is an incredibly strong (and I'd argue biased) word to use here if we're using the articles definition of a latch key kid.
The article says "3.5 million latchkey kids in the U.S., or seven per cent of those between the ages of 5 and 13".
There's a massive difference between a 5 year old being home alone for a few hours each day and a teenager being home alone for a few hours. Even more so if, like it says in the article, there's support systems in place (like a neighbor that can be contacted in case of an emergency) and an established pattern (the kid isn't just unexpectedly home alone).
An 8 year old unexpectedly left home alone for an unknown amount of time without any support system could absolutely be called neglect (although it makes a great Christmas movie), but a 16 year old in an empty house from 2:30-5 every day with a full fridge and friendly neighbors next door is completely reasonable and (IMO) a healthy way to let them develop independence.
> This is a by-now standard Gen X coping mechanism: treating childhood neglect – in this case, taking care of ourselves after school – as a matter of significant pride, part of our generational identity.
I still stand by my point, but now it should be more directed at the author of the article and not the comment I replied to
I think it's mostly seen as an unfortunately economic necessity, but some of those kids grew up and now look back upon that time favorably because the parental neglect let them develop a sense of independence.