Interdependencies among changes in residence, occupation, and car ownership − A life course approach

Abstract

Given the dynamic nature of human behavioral decisions over time, a life course approach is adopted to understand the interdependencies among key events in different life domains including residence, occupation, and car ownership. Based on a combination of binomial logit and decision tree, intertwined relationships for all three domains have been confirmed with respect to a quasi-longitudinal dataset. The interactions among inter-domain changes are demonstrated to be complicated, with leading, lagged, and concurrent effects all observed. Residential relocation and car-purchasing behaviors are likely to be performed within the same period, reflecting a concurrent effect, while there is a temporal sequence between major changes in residence and occupation, as well as in occupation and car ownership. The intra-domain continuity investigation by examining the roles played by past experience and future expectation primarily reflects an inhibiting effect on current behavior, indicating people’s inclination for stability. Empirically, identification about these interdependencies enables a better understanding of people’s reactions to changes in personal and family life. The findings are expected to be valuable for policies aiming at integrated urban land-use planning and travel behavior change.