ABSTRACT
The mobilities methodology focuses on mobility and fixity rather than social classification as determinants of human action and how social institutions operate. As Kaufmann says, 'the degree of congruence between motility and mobility indicates the degree of fluidity of mobility practices'. Convergence between these two concepts indicates a degree of fluidity and control over transport resources and a person's ability to satisfy their motility goals. Mobilities challenges many assumptions in traditional sociology, especially those around social classification and the relations between social structure and action. The 'mobilities' paradigm views mobility as a primary activity of existence and a vector of social status. Thus mobility is imbued with social capital, and a person's ability to use or 'capitalise' on this resource is dependent upon their physical, economic and social circumstances as well as their psychological motivations and desires for travel. The largest mobility domain is referred to as the 'mobile ubiquitous' and comprises an estimated 28.5 million UK adults in 2009.
