Moving...

Why do people choose to move to different neighborhoods? 

          Chapter 12 of Sampson's book discusses reasons/theories behind why people move into different neighborhoods, he brings up the issue of individual circumstances for reasons behind moving to a new neighborhood or community, some for better opportunities, or even fear of the current location (specifically fear in integrated societies). Since sociology is one of my emphasis areas I relied heavily on the knowledge I have in that field when reading Sampson's work. According to sociologist, social class systems are an important part of society this means that most individuals are trying to achieve a certain level of social class. This leaves much room for opportunity in an individuals life. For example, a young couple may decide to move out of a lower class neighborhood with a poor school district so their children can live in a more stable environment with better education in hopes that their children will eventually be better off than their parents once were. This social mobility could be a major impact on the question of why people move to different neighborhoods. Another reason behind people moving locations is work related. Businesses rely on the resources of the individual and the individual relies on income. Most people will do what it takes to make this system work. 

How likely is it that their individual choices will 

transform the communities they leave or enter?

           In Sampson's section labeled"Does moving in turn effect individuals" he describes how moving can be a "good" or "bad" experience for the mover based on the context of the move.  Sampson's specific study was on how moves affect the violent outcomes in children. He found that when movers stayed inside the city the percentage of violence in children increased whereas movers that went to city outskirts saw a decline in percentages . My personal thoughts on moving are similar, moving can be good or bad depending on the circumstances. Depending on how great the move (same city or totally different state) some cultures vary and what is acceptable in one community may not be for another community. So the outgoing "community leader" may move to a neighborhood and become the "neighborhood hermit". On the negative side, a criminal could move into a nice neighborhood, according to the readings most criminals commit crimes close to on in their very own neighborhood.