ABSTRACT
Putting aside the sexist assumptions of this quotation, there is much of value to be gleaned from utilizing the concept of commitment, as articulated by Howard S.Becker, for the analysis of migration and residential mobility. In this chapter evidence is presented supporting this theoretical approach, which is subsequently applied to the analysis of age, employment, gender and marital differences in migration patterns. It is further argued that changes in gender patterns of labour force involvement are not as profound as frequently claimed and that they have had correspondingly less of an influence in changing overall patterns of migration. In this chapter attention is given to both inter-regional migration and more local changes of residence.
