Lifestyle migrationLifestyle migration is a concept rather than an isolated determinant associated with migration motivations. The concept includes dimensions of self-identity, favourable economic circumstances and the social capital to holistically address quality of life through migration choices. Lifestyle migration is thus an analytical tool to better understand migration drivers of the relatively more affluent (Benson & O’Reilly, 2016). Lifestyle migration to rural areas involves seeking better housing, family connections, reduced stress, proximity to nature, and increased remote work opportunities. Another important concept is "downshifting," which entails adopting an alternative lifestyle to that of urban life, emphasising work-life balance, improved quality of life, family commitments, environmental concerns, and a calmer everyday life (Sandow & Lundholm 2020; Eimermann et al. 2022; Hoppstadius & Åkerlund, 2022). Depending on the individual’s preferences, lifestyle migration can also be viewed as a pull factor to urban areas. Metropolitan regions are home to a greater supply of diverse cultural and recreational activities, supporting different lifestyle preferences with a higher degree of tolerance and openness which is a common factor associated with urban migration of young adults (Ahlin et al., 2014). Lifestyle migration can be a relevant framework when exploring migration drivers in young adults in the Nordic region, where standards of living are significantly above average on an international scale, combined with a high level of education and a great degree of agency and individual freedom. |
Gender is a horizontal, cross-cutting theme in our research as well as all research within the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative and Resilient Regions (2021 – 2024). The gender dimension is particularly important when analysing migration trends in the urban-rural context, especially for young adults, because of the commonly found shortage of young, educated women in rural areas. This gender imbalance has generally been associated with gender dynamics and hierarchies, which were traditionally more expected in rural settings than urban areas. Furthermore, gender influences educational ambitions, employment opportunities, wages, and social capital, and as such gender influences migration decisions and aspirations too. |