The mobility process: Why householders think they moved

Abstract

This chapter represents an extension of our analysis of the causes and characteristics of the racial transition process in middle class communities. In previous chapters, we have examined the determinants of mobility among white residents in this type of community; that is, the relative importance of different demographic, housing and attitudinal characteristics (e.g., racial prejudice) in explaining variations in moving plans and actual mobility behavior. This chapter examines residential mobility from another perspective: the reasons for moving provided by the residents themselves. We focus on three stages of the mobility process: (1) the decision to move from the former residence; (2) the search for a new home; and (3) the actual choice of where to move.