THE RESIDENTIAL-MOBILITY EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS

This article situates the housing experiences of marginalized urban gr oups within the social, economic and ideological shifts that have rece ntly occurred in Western cities. Within this theoretical context, the residential mobility experiences of two samples of respondents who rep resent groups marginalized within the New Zealand housing market are e xamined: the seriously mentally ill (n = 203) and households in seriou s housing need (n = 279). Data from these groups are compared to a sam ple drawn from the general population (n = 100). Results from a two-ci ty longitudinal design indicate that for the two research samples, mov ing house, which is commonly regarded as a stressful experience, actua lly contributed to improved mental health. For many, however, moving w as not an option despite a high level of dissatisfaction and strong de sire to move. While public housing policy in New Zealand remains benig n compared to some western nations, recent policy shifts such as the r aising of public housing rentals are of concern in light of these find ings.