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Residential mobility of aboriginal single mothers in Winnipeg: An exploratory study of chronic moving

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Abstract

The paper reviews literatureon residential mobility giving particularattention to the choice-constraint frameworkpredominantly utilized, and arguing for a moreinclusive approach in the study of marginalizedpopulations. Then it reports on mobilitypatterns in inner city Winnipeg, Canada inorder to illustrate the discussion, beginningwith a description of archival mobility datafrom the national Census and from the localschool board. Next, semi-structured andin-depth interviews with highly mobile singlemothers of Aboriginal origin are presented todescribe and analyse mobility experiences ofthis group. The interview material isinterpreted to suggest that moving behaviour isunderlain by rationalities related toAboriginal identity in the city, and to awillingness and capacity for action in face ofdire social circumstances, observations thatmight not emerge from choice-constraintanalysis. Finally, some consequences forfurther studies and for policy are identified.

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Skelton, I. Residential mobility of aboriginal single mothers in Winnipeg: An exploratory study of chronic moving. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment 17, 127–144 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015697021290

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