Publication
Title
Can I move or can I stay? Applying a life course perspective on immobility when facing gradual environmental changes in Morocco
Author
Abstract
This study applies a life course perspective to immobility in the face of gradual environmental change in Morocco. Using 48 in-depth qualitative interviews in Tangier and Tinghir (Morocco), the study aims to understand how immobility is shaped and structured by the life course stages that people experience. This study enhances our understanding of immobility in gradually degrading environmental contexts, on which there has been little research to date. The findings contrast with the widespread imaginary of ‘trapped populations’ facing environmental change, with no apparent differences across life course stages and affecting all of the population in a similar fashion. Few respondents referred to an urgent need to migrate in the light of slow-onset environmental changes. Rather, migration aspirations were entangled with other societal changes and employment opportunities. Differences in life course stages became apparent, with people of working age dependent on employment opportunities. Those in younger age groups, especially, desired higher living standards and greater satisfaction with their lives and living conditions, with young people in an important transition period in their lives aspiring to migrate. By contrast, older respondents did not consider migrating to be an option as they were settled and had well-established social/family networks and insufficient resources to start over. Socio-economic status also played a role in the ability to both migrate and stay. The findings of this paper suggest to fully capture all mobility outcomes when examining people’s migration aspirations and abilities, these should be considered together with the ability to stay.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Climate Risk Management
Publication
2021
ISSN
22120963
2212-0963
DOI
10.1016/J.CRM.2021.100274
Volume/pages
31 (2021) , p. 1-10
Article Reference
100274
ISI
000621750100005
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Migration narratives from past to the future in Europe (MINAR).
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 20.01.2021
Last edited 13.11.2024
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