Towards an institutional approach to post-retirement migration : a case study of Waikanae : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography

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Date
1991
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Massey University
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Abstract
Post-retirement migration theory is reviewed and examined and the disparate state of current theory is noted concerning motivations to migrate. The arising institutional approaches are a possible conceptual framework within which to integrate current post-retirement migration theory more fully. In these approaches, institutions are viewed as the mediating context between social processes and individuals, and this can assist in accounting for the discrepancies between theory and observed migration patterns. This institutional model is assessed in its ability to integrate theory with the empirically observed situation at Waikanae (east coast, southern North Island, New Zealand). The social and institutional context of Waikanae is examined by interview with institutional managers. Migrant interactions with and response to this context are examined through a questionnaire survey. The effectiveness of institutions in meeting needs are used as a key indicator in the attractiveness of Waikanae to retirees. The findings indicate that migrants are filtered from the wider retired population by institutional discrimination. Those qualified for access to institutional resources are able to migrate, resulting in the concentration of retirees from similar socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds in Waikanae. This confirms that post-retirement migration theory needs to take greater recognition of the influence of institutions on retiree migration and future work is suggested in order to more fully substantiate this.
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Appendix 2: Key Individuals and Organizations Contacted for Interviews has been removed. Please consult print copy in Library.
Keywords
New Zealand Older people, Internal Migration
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