Journal of Social Issues, Vol. 38, No. 3, 1982, pp. zyxw 1-19 zyxwv Residential Mobility as a Social Issue and Research Topic Sally Ann Shumaker Johns Hopkins University Daniel Stokols University of Caliyornia, Ir vine zyxwvut Traditionally, the high rate of mobility in America has been linked to such negative consequences as distintegrating communities and alienation among the populace. Recent perspectives on mobility present a more complex im- age zyxwvu of the factors underlying a population “on the move”and a more benign view of the effects of mobility. In this article we provide a backdrop for these more recent perspectives by presenting an historical overview of American mobility which includes: the zyxw image of the mobile American throughout history; the stability of high mobility rates; the changing pat- terns of mobility and the implications of these changes; and, a demographic profile of who moves in America. In addition, we review past theories of why people move and the limited research on the consequences of mobility, especially in terms of community pathology. This historical review 3ets the stage”for the current approaches to mobility that are presented within this issue of JSI. INTRODUCTION Each year approximately 20% of the people in this county either choose or are forced to move. Early research linked this high mobility rate Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Dr. Sally Ann Shumaker, Johns Hopkins Center for Metropolitan Planning and Research, Shriver Hall, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218. zyxwv 1 0022-4537/82/0900-OI$3.~/l zyxwvu 0 Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues