The Role of Family Ties in Mobility and Immobility Decisions: A Case Study of Italy

ABSTRACT This study investigates the influence of family ties on mobility and immobility decisions within the Reventino‐Savuto area of Calabria, Italy. Recognizing the significant impact of family connections on migration dynamics, the research explores how these ties act as both motivators for relocation and deterrents against moving. By providing emotional, financial and practical support, family networks shape individual decisions to either migrate or remain in place. The Reventino‐Savuto area, characterized by ageing populations, declining residency rates and deteriorating infrastructure, exemplifies the challenges faced by marginalized regions targeted by Italy's National Strategy for Inner Areas. Through qualitative interviews with residents, this research uncovers the role of familial ties in shaping mobility patterns. The theoretical framework highlights the dual role of family ties as both ‘anchors’ rooting individuals to a place and ‘beacons’ attracting them to migrate closer to family members, particularly during critical life events. The study reveals how family obligations, such as caregiving for elderly parents, often outweigh economic opportunities, influencing internal migration decisions. Furthermore, the interplay between informal family support and formal social services underscores the importance of family networks in providing essential care and bridging gaps in formal healthcare systems. The findings demonstrate that the decision to migrate or remain is a complex interplay of personal aspirations, available resources and family obligations. Family ties emerge as a crucial determinant of geographical proximity among relatives, influencing both mobility and immobility.