Remain, Return or Stay Away? Insights in the residential (im)mobility intentions of young tertiary graduates from South-East Friesland considering sense of place and the life course approach

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2022-12-04

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en

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This research studies the residential (im)mobility intentions of young tertiary graduates from South-East Friesland. This region is facing demographic decline and an outflow of highly educated youngsters. The presence of tertiary graduates is a key component for regional economic growth due to their knowledge and experience. A life course approach is applied by reviewing both the current (im)mobility choice, shortly after graduation, and the (im)mobility intention in the coming life phase. The role of sense of place in both is studied. The intention is studied via the theory of planned behaviour. 26 participants were interviewed, supported by photo-elicitation and the life history calendar. Remainers maintained a sense of place and returners kept referring to it as ‘home’. They did not develop a strong sense of place with their study city as they were determined to return. Both intend to stay as this is ‘where they have everything’. To-be-returners intend to go back. Since the coming life phase feels more definite, they want to live there where it feels most like home. For stay-awayers their current choice not to return lessened their sense of place. They do want their children to grow up in a rural area but not necessarily there.

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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen

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