Preliminary findings from the GHET-IN Project

What motivates people to move in and out of vulnerable neighborhoods?

Research from the GHET-IN project is shedding light on why people move in and out of vulnerable neighborhoods in Denmark, particularly non-profit housing areas undergoing urban transformation. By using a combination of interviews and Danish register data, the study explores the social and demographic characteristics of residents and how their preferences and needs influence their decisions to stay or leave.

A mixed methods approach

The study was based on 49 interviews, including 24 with experts and 25 with residents, in six selected neighborhoods. These interviews helped uncover the different factors driving people’s choices. Expert interviews were conducted with individuals closely connected to these neighborhoods, such as municipal workers, housing association representatives, or local activists. Their knowledge provided valuable insights into the community as a whole. At the same time, residents’ interviews offered a personal perspective on their living situations and the factors influencing their decision to stay or leave.

In addition to interviews, the study also used Danish register data to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics of the populations in these areas. This data looked at who moved in, who moved out, and those who stayed, revealing key differences between these groups. For example, long-term residents tended to be older, often married with children, and less educated, while those who moved in or out were generally younger, single, and more likely to be students or working.

What drives movement?

The interviews revealed five main types of residential movement:

  1. Generational moves: Life transitions like young adults leaving home or parents downsizing after children move out drive some families to stay while others leave.
  2. Social mobility: Moving out is often seen as a step up, with parents expressing pride when their children move to larger, better homes.
  3. Safety concerns: Some residents move between vulnerable neighborhoods to find safer environments, choosing areas based on their personal safety experiences.
  4. Forced moves: Urban renewal policies sometimes force residents to relocate temporarily, but some choose to stay long-term, making the area their home despite initial plans to move.
  5. Future intentions: Many residents talk about moving in the future, showing that relocation is often a possibility they keep in mind.

A complex picture of vulnerable neighborhoods

The research shows that decisions to move in or out of vulnerable neighborhoods go beyond just financial considerations. Residents make thoughtful choices, weighing factors like feelings of safety, social mobility, and personal connections to the area. These findings emphasize that vulnerable neighborhoods in Denmark should not be seen as uniform or isolated. Instead, they are diverse communities with unique dynamics, shaped by different cultures, social hierarchies, and residents’ varied experiences.