Conclusion

Abstract

This study aims to answer the research question: Which individual, household and contextual conditions shape the outcomes of relocations over the life course? The main hypothesis is that the outcomes of relocations are systematically stratified. Relocations are not positive life course events per se, but are contingent on individual and structural conditions that are further described below. Thereby, relocations differ in their effects on the goal attainment of individuals with regard to their “physical wellbeing and social approval” (Lindenberg 1996: 169). Relocations where individuals move to higher quality places improve wellbeing and increase social approval more than relocations to relatively worse locations. In the present study, the quality of different locations is measured through room stress, neighbourhood quality and risk of leaving employment. These qualities refer to the dwelling, the neighbourhood and the regional labour market respectively.