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

The paper reviews literature on residential mobility giving particular attention to the choice-constraint framework predominantly utilized, and arguing for a more inclusive approach in the study of marginalized populations. Then it reports on mobility patterns in inner city Winnipeg, Canada in order to illustrate the discussion, beginning with a description of archival mobility data from the national Census and from the local school board. Next, semistructured and in-depth interviews with highly mobile single mothers of Aboriginal origin are presented to describe and analyse mobility experiences of this group. The interview material is interpreted to suggest that moving behaviour is underlain by rationalities related to Aboriginal identity in the city, and to a willingness and capacity for action in face of dire social circumstances, observations that might not emerge from choice-constraint analysis. Finally, some consequences for further studies and for policy are identified.