Life events and mobility milestones: Advances in mobility biography theory and research. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rau, Henrike; Manton, Richard
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport geography. Volume 52(2016)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Mobility biography -- Life events -- Mobility milestones -- Travel behaviour -- Online survey; Transportation -- Periodicals; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Transport -- Périodiques; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; Telecommunication; Transportation; Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2016.02.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-6923

Abstract

Abstract: The concept of mobility biographies has recently gained considerable currency in social-scientific transport research, reflecting increasing awareness of the long-term development of mobility practices. To complement existing work on the effects of major life events on mobility practices, we introduce the novel concept of 'mobility milestones', that is, mobility-related events across the life course that show a very high dependence on (infra)structural factors. Overall, the paper explicitly recognises the centrality of interactions between structural factors and human agency, thereby moving beyond a sole focus on individual travel behaviour. Initially, this paper reviews social and interdisciplinary research on mobility biographies, especially studies that use retrospective survey methodologies. Building on this review, we present an innovative online survey tool that has been deployed on the island of Ireland (n = 324) to record changes in individuals' mobility biographies and their connections with both life events and mobility milestones. This is followed by a discussion of key findings regarding the impact of starting college, residential relocation and changing employment, as well as buying a car or bicycle or getting a driving licence on individuals' modal choice. Highlights: Shifts in mobility practices reflect structural changes and life-course transitions. 'Mobility milestones' concept captures mobility-related events across life course. Innovative online survey uses life course calendar to record mobility biographies. Key life events and mobility milestones significantly reshape modal choice (n = 324). High impact of changes in residence, education, employment, mobility tool ownership