WHY FAMILIES MOVE - A STUDY OF RESIDENTIAL-MOBILITY IN AUSTRALIA

Using data from 1991 Housing and Location Preferences surveys of Sydne y and Melbourne this paper examines the main sociological correlates o f residential mobility. The research was designed partly to test Rossi 's hypothesis about residential mobility, that people move to adjust t heir housing to fit changing household needs with progression through the life-cycle. The findings show that in Australia residential mobili ty of families is significantly related to life-cycle and the changes that accompany it. The findings are also consistent with the other dem ographic, social and economic patterns that characterise Australian so ciety.