Abstract of the session:
Habitation is pivotal to any human existence. Just as much as human beings cannot NOT communicate they cannot NOT dwell (even if they are regarded as “homeless”). Furthermore, the place of residence is central for the chances people and households have in fulfilling their aspirations and expectations. The vast majority of people usually lives in one place of residence. However, there is a growing number who resides in more than one location for various reasons and with varying degrees of necessity and/or voluntariness. Periodical and circular mobility has always existed, be it in the form of transhumance which to this very day is actively pursued in many countries of the South, or in the form of migrant labour in all regions of the world. In the recent past multi‐local living arrangements have received more attention mainly because a growing number of people/households choose to or are forced to organise their lives in such a way. All this is happening against the backdrop of a growing internationalisation of labour markets and a growing general mobility of people/households both in terms of their working and private lives. Compared to households and individuals living in one location only this means, inter alia, a greater demand on resources and a more comprehensive need for adaptation. This session focuses on the phenomena of multi‐locality on a national, inter‐ and transnational level and addresses central issues for a research agenda which is still in its infancy.

https://igc2012.org/frontend/index.php