| Abstract: | Residential mobility is a widely discussed phenomenon perceived as a mechanism of housing adjustments and as a manifestation of housing choice. This paper focuses on 'in-place' adjustments and suggests its further recognition relative to mobility in both theoretical and empirical terms. By reviewing the main housing choice debates, the paper endeavours to show how the mobility-centred approach is insufficient to capture and explain those housing choice situations where non-market options of housing provision are significant. This is important for an understanding of housing choice not only in societies in transition, but also as far as non-market (public and self-help) provision of housing is recognised. The paper explores two specific types of 'in-place' housing adjustments: change in the housing status and major physical alteration of the residence of non-movers. For this purpose, Slovenian social survey data were used. Focusing on the present housing episode, its median duration was found to be very long and a surprisingly high incidence of such 'in-place dynamism' was found. The findings of the empirical analysis in case of Slovenia indicate how the mobilitycentred approach might be insufficient for comprehending a specific 'housing choice situation', and point out the need for a more context-sensitive discussion of housing options to avoid the dangers of 'Anglo-Saxon hegemony'. |
