Display Full Text | Download Full Text
1.18 MB PDF file

Degree

Master of Arts, Miami University, Geography, 2010.

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the return migration decisions of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. This thesis interprets data collected through semi-structured interviews in Houston and New Orleans, in addition to data from “The Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston Project” archive of interviews, to determine what factors are influencing evacuees’ desire and capacity to return home. Respondents demonstrated the complex interaction of displacement variables on their return migration decisions. These variables interact and influence evacuees in both ‘home’ and host societies. Thinking through concepts of belonging, exclusion and capacity to return raises important questions as to the decisions of return and helps us to understand that these decisions are not mutually exclusive. This thesis highlights the durable obstacles to return migration, suggesting ways to ensure the sustainable return of the Katrina displaced by more fully assessing the factors affecting their displacement and return.

Subject Headings

Geography

Keywords

Hurricane Katrina; Return Migration; Belonging; Home; Mobility; Exclusion

Committee / Advisors

Dr. Carl Dahlman (Advisor)
Dr. Bruce D'Arcus (Committee Member)
Dr. Marcia England (Committee Member)

Document number: miami1271790295
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1271790295

This ETD has been downloaded 121 times (through March 2013)