Peter Rossi
Peter H. Rossi’s book Why Families Move (1955) is a classic study of residential mobility in urban areas. It examines the factors that cause families to move and the consequences of those moves.
Rossi argues that residential mobility is not random. Instead, it is a purposeful act that is motivated by a variety of factors. These factors can be broadly divided into two categories: push factors and pull factors.
Push factors are forces that drive families out of their current homes. These factors include:
- Changes in household composition, such as a birth, death, or marriage, that lead to a need for more or less space.
- Changes in family income or employment that make it difficult to afford the current home.
- Neighborhood decline or crime that makes the family feel unsafe.
- Perceived problems with the school district or other public services.
- Problems with the physical condition of the home.
Pull factors are forces that attract families to new homes. These factors include:
- The availability of a more affordable or larger home.
- The desire to live in a better neighborhood with better schools, parks, and other amenities.
- Proximity to work, school, or other important destinations.
- A desire to change lifestyles or social circles.
Rossi found that push factors are more important than pull factors in explaining residential mobility. He also found that the decision to move is often a complex process that involves a variety of factors, both objective and subjective.
Consequences of residential mobility
Residential mobility can have a variety of consequences for families. These consequences can be positive or negative.
Positive consequences include:
- Improved housing quality.
- Increased access to opportunities and resources.
- Social interaction with new neighbors.
- A sense of belonging and community.
Negative consequences include:
- Upheaval and disruption to family life.
- Loss of social ties and support networks.
- Increased stress and anxiety.
- Financial strain.
Rossi’s research has had a significant impact on the study of residential mobility. His findings have been used to inform housing policy and urban planning. His work has also helped to raise awareness of the potential negative consequences of residential mobility for families.
Methodology
eter H. Rossi and his team of researchers employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate the motivations behind residential mobility in their 1955 study, “Why Families Move.” This approach involved a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques.
Quantitative Data Collection
The study utilized three primary sources of quantitative data:
Census Data: Census data on housing characteristics, population demographics, and socioeconomic indicators were used to analyze the broader context of residential mobility patterns in the study area.
Mobility Survey: A comprehensive survey was administered to a representative sample of movers,encompassing their household composition, social characteristics, housing preferences, economic factors, and neighborhood perceptions.
Relocation Histories: The study tracked the relocation histories of families over a five-year period, documenting their reasons for moving, the characteristics of their previous and current homes, and any changes in their social and economic circumstances.
Qualitative Data Collection
To gain deeper insights into the subjective experiences and motivations of movers, the study employed qualitative data collection techniques, including:
In-depth Interviews: Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample of movers to explore their personal accounts of their decision-making processes, the factors that influenced their choices, and the consequences of their moves.
Observations of Neighborhoods: Researchers observed and recorded conditions in neighborhoods to assess their physical characteristics, social atmosphere, and overall livability.
Content Analysis of Moving Company Records: Moving company records were analyzed to identify patterns in the types of homes people were moving into and out of, their relocation destinations, and the timing of their moves.
Synthesis of Quantitative and Qualitative Findings
The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of residential mobility patterns and their underlying causes. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations between quantitative variables, while qualitative data provided rich descriptions and contextual insights.
This mixed-methods approach allowed the researchers to capture both the macro-level trends and micro-level perspectives of residential mobility, providing a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of this complex social phenomenon.
SUMMARY
Peter Rossi’s book Why Families Move is a classic study of residential mobility, first published in 1956 and revised in 1980. Rossi’s goal was to understand the factors that influence families’ decisions to move, and the consequences of those decisions. He did this by conducting a survey of a representative sample of families in Detroit, Michigan.
Rossi found that the most common reasons for moving were related to housing and jobs. Families were more likely to move if they were living in substandard housing, or if they needed to move to a new location to find a job. Rossi also found that moving was more common among young families, and among families with lower incomes.
Rossi also examined the consequences of moving. He found that moving could have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, moving could lead to an improvement in housing quality, or could bring families closer to their jobs or other amenities. On the other hand, moving could disrupt family and social networks, and could lead to increased stress.
Rossi’s book has been influential in the field of urban sociology, and his findings have been used to inform public policy. For example, Rossi’s research has been used to develop programs that help low-income families afford decent housing.
Here is a summary of some of the key findings from Rossi’s book:
- The most common reasons for moving are related to housing and jobs.
- Moving is more common among young families and among families with lower incomes.
- Moving can have both positive and negative consequences.
Rossi’s book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the topic of residential mobility. It provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence families’ decisions to move, and the consequences of those decisions.
Methodology
In his book Why Families Move, Peter Rossi used a mixed-methods approach to study residential mobility. He collected data from a variety of sources, including:
- Survey data: Rossi conducted a survey of a representative sample of families in Detroit, Michigan. The survey asked families about their reasons for moving, their housing situation, and their demographic characteristics.
- Census data: Rossi used census data to track mobility rates over time and to compare mobility rates across different groups of people.
- Interviews: Rossi interviewed a sample of families to get a more in-depth understanding of their reasons for moving and the consequences of moving.
- Case studies: Rossi conducted case studies of a small number of families to get a more detailed look at the moving process and its impact on families.
- Historical data: Rossi used historical data to track changes in mobility patterns over time.
Rossi used a variety of statistical methods to analyze his data. He used descriptive statistics to summarize the data and to identify patterns. He used inferential statistics to test hypotheses about the factors that influence mobility.
Rossi’s methodology was innovative for its time. He was one of the first researchers to use a mixed-methods approach to study residential mobility. He also used a variety of statistical methods to analyze his data.
Here is a more detailed explanation of Rossi’s methodology:
Survey data: Rossi’s survey was administered to a representative sample of 924 households in four contrasting neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The survey asked families about their reasons for moving, their housing situation, and their demographic characteristics. Rossi also asked families about their plans for the future, and about their satisfaction with their current and previous neighborhoods.
Census data: Rossi used census data to track mobility rates over time and to compare mobility rates across different groups of people. For example, he compared mobility rates between whites and blacks, between renters and homeowners, and between families with different income levels.
Interviews: Rossi interviewed a sample of families to get a more in-depth understanding of their reasons for moving and the consequences of moving. He asked families about their decision-making process, their experiences with moving, and the impact of moving on their families.
Case studies: Rossi conducted case studies of a small number of families to get a more detailed look at the moving process and its impact on families. He followed these families through the entire moving process, from the decision to move to the move itself to the adjustment to the new neighborhood.
Historical data: Rossi used historical data to track changes in mobility patterns over time. He looked at census data from different decades to see how mobility rates had changed. He also looked at historical records to learn more about the reasons why people moved in the past.
Rossi’s methodology was rigorous and comprehensive. He used a variety of data sources and methods to get a complete picture of residential mobility. His findings have been influential in the field of urban sociology, and they continue to be relevant today.
Reason Analysis
Peter Rossi’s method of reason analysis is a technique for identifying and assessing the factors that influence people’s decisions. He developed this method specifically for his research on why families move, but it can be used to study any type of decision-making process.
The method of reason analysis involves the following steps:
- Identify the possible reasons for making the decision. Rossi did this by conducting a literature review and by interviewing experts on residential mobility.
- Develop a questionnaire that asks people about the relative importance of each of the possible reasons. Rossi’s questionnaire asked families to rate each reason on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.
- Administer the questionnaire to a representative sample of people. Rossi administered his questionnaire to a sample of 924 families in Detroit, Michigan.
- Analyze the data to identify the most important reasons for making the decision. Rossi used a variety of statistical methods to analyze his data, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and factor analysis.
Rossi’s method of reason analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the factors that influence people’s decisions. It is a rigorous and systematic approach that can be used to study any type of decision-making process.
Here is an example of how Rossi used his method of reason analysis to study why families move:
- Identify the possible reasons for moving. Rossi identified the following possible reasons for moving:
- Housing: families may move to find better housing, such as a larger home or a home in a better neighborhood.
- Job: families may move to find a new job or to be closer to their current job.
- Life cycle: families may move as their needs change over time, such as when they have children or when they retire.
- Amenities: families may move to be closer to certain amenities, such as good schools, parks, or shops.
- Develop a questionnaire that asks people about the relative importance of each of the possible reasons. Rossi developed a questionnaire that asked families to rate each of the possible reasons for moving on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.
- Administer the questionnaire to a representative sample of people. Rossi administered his questionnaire to a sample of 924 families in Detroit, Michigan.
- Analyze the data to identify the most important reasons for moving. Rossi used a variety of statistical methods to analyze his data. He found that the most important reasons for moving were housing, job, and life cycle.
Rossi’s method of reason analysis is a valuable tool for understanding the factors that influence people’s decisions. It is a rigorous and systematic approach that can be used to study any type of decision-making process.
Two phases of the research
The two main phases of Peter Rossi’s research on why families move were:
Phase 1: The Detroit Area Study (1955-1956)
In the first phase of his research, Rossi conducted a survey of a representative sample of 924 households in four contrasting neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan. The survey asked families about their reasons for moving, their housing situation, and their demographic characteristics. Rossi also asked families about their plans for the future, and about their satisfaction with their current and previous neighborhoods.
Rossi’s findings from the Detroit Area Study were published in his book Why Families Move in 1956. The book was a seminal work in the field of urban sociology, and it continues to be cited by researchers today.
Phase 2: The National Movers Study (1978-1980)
In the second phase of his research, Rossi conducted a national survey of over 4,000 families. The survey asked families about their reasons for moving, their housing situation, and their demographic characteristics. Rossi also asked families about the impact of moving on their families.
Rossi’s findings from the National Movers Study were published in a revised edition of his book Why Families Move in 1980. The revised edition included new findings on the changing patterns of residential mobility in the United States.
Rossi’s research on why families move is important because it helps us to understand the factors that influence people’s decisions to move. This knowledge can be used to develop policies and programs that help people to move to better neighborhoods and to improve their quality of life.
Questionnaire in both phases
Peter Rossi used a similar questionnaire in both phases of his research on why families move, but there were some differences. The questionnaire used in the Detroit Area Study was shorter and less comprehensive than the questionnaire used in the National Movers Study. This was because the Detroit Area Study was a pilot study, and Rossi was still developing his method of reason analysis.
The questionnaire used in the National Movers Study was more comprehensive and included questions about the impact of moving on families. This was because Rossi wanted to learn more about the social and psychological consequences of moving.
Here is a table that compares the two questionnaires:
| Question | Detroit Area Study (1955-1956) | National Movers Study (1978-1980) |
|---|---|---|
| Reasons for moving | Yes | Yes |
| Housing situation | Yes | Yes |
| Demographic characteristics | Yes | Yes |
| Plans for the future | Yes | No |
| Satisfaction with current and previous neighborhoods | Yes | No |
| Impact of moving on families | No | Yes |
Rossi’s use of a similar questionnaire in both phases of his research allowed him to compare the results of the two studies and to track changes in patterns of residential mobility over time.
Overall, Rossi’s research on why families move is a valuable contribution to the field of urban sociology. His work has helped us to understand the factors that influence people’s decisions to move and the consequences of those decisions.
Questionnaires - Step by Step
Peter Rossi created his questionnaires for his research on why families move using a variety of methods. He drew on his own expertise in urban sociology, as well as the work of other researchers in the field. He also consulted with experts in survey design and data analysis.
Here is a step-by-step overview of how Rossi created his questionnaires:
Identify the key research questions. What did Rossi want to learn about why families move? He identified a number of key research questions, such as:
- What are the most common reasons for moving?
- How do the reasons for moving vary across different groups of people?
- What are the consequences of moving for families?
Develop a list of potential questions. Once Rossi had identified his key research questions, he developed a list of potential questions that he could ask families to learn more about their reasons for moving and the consequences of moving.
Pilot test the questions. Rossi pilot tested his questions with a small group of families to get feedback on the clarity and relevance of the questions. He also made sure that the questions were easy to understand and answer.
Revise the questions. Based on the feedback from the pilot test, Rossi revised his questions. He made sure that the questions were clear, concise, and relevant to his research questions.
Finalize the questionnaires. Once Rossi was satisfied with his revised questions, he finalized his questionnaires. He made sure that the questionnaires were well-organized and easy to administer.
Rossi’s careful attention to detail in creating his questionnaires helped to ensure that he collected high-quality data that could be used to answer his research questions.
In addition to the steps above, Rossi also used the following methods to create his questionnaires:
- Review of literature: Rossi reviewed the existing literature on residential mobility to identify the factors that have been shown to influence people’s decisions to move. He used this information to develop questions that would tap into these factors.
- Expert consultation: Rossi consulted with experts in urban sociology, survey design, and data analysis to get feedback on his questionnaires. This feedback helped to improve the quality of the questionnaires and to ensure that they were appropriate for his research goals.
Rossi’s research on why families move is a valuable contribution to the field of urban sociology. His work has helped us to understand the factors that influence people’s decisions to move and the consequences of those decisions.
Revisioning Questions from the pilot study
Peter Rossi revised his questions from the pilot study before launching the second set of questions in his study “Why Families Move” in the following ways:
- Clarified the wording of the questions. Rossi made sure that the questions were easy to understand and that they could not be interpreted in multiple ways. For example, he replaced the question “What were the reasons for your move?” with the question “What were the most important reasons for your move?” This made it clear to respondents that they should only choose the most important reasons for their move.
- Added new questions. Based on the feedback from the pilot study, Rossi added new questions to the questionnaire. For example, he added questions about the impact of moving on children and about the respondents’ satisfaction with their new neighborhood.
- Removed unnecessary questions. Rossi removed questions from the questionnaire that were not necessary for answering his research questions. For example, he removed questions about the respondents’ income and education level.
Rossi also made the following changes to the structure of the questionnaire:
- He grouped the questions into thematic sections. This made it easier for respondents to understand the purpose of each question and to complete the questionnaire quickly and accurately.
- He used a variety of question formats. This made the questionnaire more engaging and less repetitive. For example, Rossi used open-ended questions, closed-ended questions, and Likert scale questions.
Rossi’s careful revision of the pilot study questionnaire helped to ensure that the second set of questions was clear, concise, and relevant to his research questions. This resulted in high-quality data that could be used to answer his research questions and to gain a deeper understanding of why families move.
Here are some specific examples of how Rossi revised his questions from the pilot study:
Pilot study question: What were the reasons for your move?
Revised question: What were the most important reasons for your move?
Pilot study question: How has moving affected your children?
Revised question: Please describe the impact of moving on your children, both positive and negative.
Pilot study question: How satisfied are you with your new neighborhood?
Revised question: Please rate your satisfaction with your new neighborhood on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “very dissatisfied” and 5 being “very satisfied.”
Rossi’s revised questions are more specific and focused, and they allow respondents to provide more detailed information about their experiences. This information is essential for understanding the complex factors that influence people’s decisions to move.
Rossi, P. H., & Rossi, P. H. (1980). Why families move (p. 32). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage publications.