Residential Multi‐Locality Studies – The Added Value for Research on Families and Second Homes

Abstract

This conceptual paper introduces key elements of residential multi-locality studies, arguing that a relational and processual analysis helps understand the interplay of mobilities and stabilities and of presences and absences which are typical of the practices of multi-local living. Based on this perspective, research on familial forms of living and on second homes is re-interpreted. It is discussed how these research fields may contribute to progress in residential multi-locality studies and, on the other hand, which of their aspects would be better highlighted through the conceptual lens of multi-locality. The epistemological added value of this perspective is seen in the sensitivity towards the emergence of new forms of living and towards the ways their stability is achieved in spite of distance. This provides deeper insight into the geographies of families in mobile societies and enables a more profound assessment of the significance of residential economies.

Multi-Local Living – An Opportunity for Rural Health Services in Finland?

“…The consideration of the development of multi-local living arrangements in contemporary societies raises conceptual as well as methodological questions, and demands new and revised methods for investigating the phenomenon (Schier et al 2015a). The concept of multi-local living has been used and developed especially by Central-European researchers who have been interested in the spatial manifestations of multi-local living and the everyday practices of a working day, the use of time and mobility as part of multi-local living (Schier et al 2015b).…”

The Logic of Multi‐Local Living Arrangements: Methodological Challenges And the Potential of Qualitative Approaches

“…Similarly, many terms are not appropriate to the spatio‐temporal specifics of everyday life in multi‐local families (Schier et al . ). Frequently, the researcher must draw on complicated descriptions of multi‐local constellations.…”

Income diversification strategies among pastoralists in Central Asia: Findings from Kyrgyzstan

“…Laslett and Wall (1972) traced the evolution of the definition of family and household and showed how it changed from kinship to territoriality (Goody 1972). Globally, the increase of household members' mobility has led to the household multi-locality phenomena (Schier et al 2015;Weichhart 2015). In the Kyrgyz context, multi-locality is important due to the rate of high internal and external migration (Thieme 2014).…”