Life-Cycle, Career Pattern, and the Decision to Move

Explanation is sought, in life-cycle and career pattern theories, of the decision to move. Survey data supporting the utility of the career pattern approach are presented and inconsistencies among existing studies are interpreted as reflecting differences in the populations studied. A paradigm based upon "life-cycle stage" and "vertical mobility potential" is used to develop a model for further research. The decision to move is seen as a function of these two variables, with complaints about the present dwelling appearing as an intervening variable.