East–West Mobility Space – The Role of Different Types of Capitals in Moving or Staying Put
East–West Mobility Space – The Role of Different Types of Capitals in Moving or Staying Put

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the mobility patterns in East–West movement within Europe and challenges theprevailing perception that migration is an act of agency while staying put is seen as having a lack of agency.It argues that staying put can also involve extensive strategies and should be recognised as an active choice.The article utilises Bourdieu’s three types of capital (economic, social and cultural) to understand thestrategies employed in both staying put and successful migration. It suggests that individuals cancompensate for the absence of one type of capital by leveraging another type; however, it also suggeststhat, in order to understand mobility space between CEE and Nordic countries, the presence of formalisedwelfare provision in Nordic countries is an important aspect. The focus of the article is on single mothers,who are considered to be one of the most vulnerable groups in Central and Eastern European societies.Based on 25 interviews with Estonian single mothers, the article suggests that migration often occurs dueto a lack of alternative options.

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