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No Place like Home?
Sun, 02/01/2009 - 22:28 | Community
According to a Pew Research Center survey, geographic mobility is at the lowest levels since the government began keeping statistics in 1948:
As a nation, the United States is often portrayed as restless and rootless. Census data, though, indicate that Americans are settling down. Only 11.9% of Americans changed residences between 2007 and 2008, the smallest share since the government began tracking this trend in the late 1940s. A new Pew Social & Demographic Trends survey finds that most Americans have moved to a new community at least once in their lives, although a notable number -- nearly four-in-ten -- have never left the place in which they were born1. Asked why they live where they do, movers most often cite the pull of economic opportunity. Stayers most often cite the tug of family and connections.What do you think has led to the decrease in geographic mobility?
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Comments
I agree with the above
I agree with the above responder. I think that most of us would rather go with what we know rather than step into unknown territory. I believe that the average person moves only when they have to. My parents moved to Minnesota from St. Louis about 15 years ago because of my mother's job. Her job had talked about relocating for about 10 years before they actually did. I was 25 at the time and they tried to get me to go with them, but I did not want to leave the familiarity of St. Louis, even though my parents were going along with my two younger brothers. Lately I have been strongly contemplating relocating to North Carolina just for a change of scenery. I asked my husband if he would consider it if we were able to find jobs, and he said that he would go, so I started sending out resumes in August. However with the state of the economy, I am having second thoughts. I figure if things get too bad, then at least I know we are here where we have the support of family and friends as opposed to being in a brand new city where we know no one.
Habit and complacency are
Habit and complacency are some factors other than the ones listed above. We’re all creatures of habit to some extent and somehow have difficulty letting go, even in some unfavorable circumstances. Then there’s the element of uncertainty. We become so used to our way of life that anything new can trigger anguish for some. More often, though, when thought out logically, families are willing to make necessary changes for the benefit of all.
Changing from Familiar to Unknown
Most people enjoy familiar places and faces of their communities. Me, let's just say by nature, I was born for adventure. I like change of environment, this is where you get to meet new people, explore new grounds and build good relationships! It would drive me completely nuts if I were in my same neighborhood, same old people, and same old routines. Let me share this with the blog this morning, and please try not to visualize this, just flow with me… the reason why my soul accepts change, when I was born; my mother Judy gave birth to me under an oak tree, all slippery and innocent ready to go! Sounds funny or more like… TMI, well maybe, but there is a significance for me being born under an oak tree. This to me symbolizes my desire for change. As the tree changes during each season, so is my desire to change for the better. Many people laugh or say yeah now this explains your character. Before I made the connection, I often wondered why my need for change was so strong. My sisters are so different from me; it’s as if I were born with a different DNA. My sister’s love the same old routes, familiar face, etc… Now for me, routine is like an enemy smuggling me through the Underground Railroad wrapped in duck tape. This is why I know beyond a speck of doubt- that God created me to be adventurous and changeable. Maybe he knows that with the world changing like it is, people who embrace change can move about the globe without fear. Below are some meanings of an oak tree I find significant. Biblical Joshua erects a stone under an oak tree as the first covenant of the Lord (Josh. 24.25-7). What is the symbolic meaning of Oak tree? Oak trees, throughout literature, are often regarded as wise and humble, due to their usually extended age and wrinkled appearance, referencing them to elders who have known and witness many things. I don't have to question, why I'm the way that I am! (good grammer...lol!)