‘Love knows no (spatial) boundaries?‘: Investigating diversity in the residential location choices of rural-residing couples upon union formation

The role of non‐resident family ties in rural staying

“…For the quantitative analyses, we use data collected as part of a large household survey conducted in each of the three case study areas during autumn and winter 2019/early 2020, in rural settlements (of up to 2000 inhabitants) and the surrounding countryside outside their built-up area (see also Ferguson & Catney, 2023;Hofstede et al, 2022aHofstede et al, , 2022bLengerer et al, 2022). Adopting systematic random sampling techniques specifically adapted to each context, 2000-2500 addresses were targeted from postal address files, with an assumed 40% response rate.…”

“…The literature on immobility and on intentions to stay strongly associates staying with social motives, such as wanting to remain close to family and friends (Bjarnason, 2014; Kuhmonen et al, 2016; Thissen et al, 2010). Within rural settings and from a life course perspective, strong senses of rootedness in place via social networks including family, friends, and close‐knit communities have been offered as both explanations for the decision to stay (Ferguson & Catney, 2023; Morse & Mudgett, 2018), and also as an important element within the conceptualisation of a rural idyll (Ní Laoire, 2007). However, thus far, such social networks are typically referred to as an ‘umbrella’ concept, resulting in a limited understanding of the specific roles of different types, intensity and meanings of non‐resident but geographically proximate family such as parents, children, siblings, in‐laws, or other relatives in (rural) staying (Mulder, 2018; Stockdale & Haartsen, 2018).…”

Human Capital at the Regional Level: Population Forecast Insights into Latvia from a Long-Term Perspective

“…Complex economic, demographic, social and environmental factors are crucial for regional development (López-Penabad et al, 2022;Ferguson & Catney, 2023). An additional factor is the sense of belonging to a rural area and understanding of what the rural lifestyle means (Ferguson & Catney, 2023).…”

“…Complex economic, demographic, social and environmental factors are crucial for regional development (López-Penabad et al, 2022;Ferguson & Catney, 2023). An additional factor is the sense of belonging to a rural area and understanding of what the rural lifestyle means (Ferguson & Catney, 2023). When researchers analyse these factors in the context of population change, the results and factors' significance differ depending on the regions under study.…”