This study applies to interstate migration the notion that dissatisfaction with residence or community presages movement. The other side of the coin, the view that disposition to move is inhibited by satisfaction with job and place of residence, and by social bonds, is tested using data from a panel study in Rhode Island for the period 1969–79. Results of a multivariate analysis show that noneconomic factors influence decisions to move. Strong social bonds inhibit migration, but employment (except for two-job families) did not. Measures of satisfaction with community and job failed to reveal the expected strong relationship. The effects of three background variables, age, sex-marital status, and place of birth were mediated by level of satisfaction and social bonds. But duration of residence and education of household head had significant direct effects on migration. Possible reasons for these findings are explored.
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Speare et al. (1982) studied this question.