Final answer:
Social and family status, as well as ethnicity, significantly influence residential choices. These factors are closely linked with economic capabilities and the desire to be part of certain communities or to access better resources. It's a nuanced interplay rather than a singular factor driving where individuals and families decide to establish their homes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we discuss how social and family status and ethnicity affect residential choices, we acknowledge that various socioeconomic and cultural factors significantly influence where people choose to live. Social and family status have been known to shape residential preferences because individuals and families often seek living environments that reflect their economic capabilities and social standing, as seen in economic segregation within cities where wealthier families typically do not reside next to poorer families. Such preferences are not just about comfort; they also relate to the social capital and the quality of surrounding services such as schools, healthcare, and security.
Similarly, ethnicity can impact residential decisions, often in complex interactions with economic factors. For some ethnic groups, residing in certain areas can be a result of seeking community support and preserving cultural ties, while minorities may also end up in specific neighborhoods due to social exclusion or economic constraints. An interesting study of crime patterns by Shaw and McKay revealed that ethnicity itself was not a predictor for crime, but the socioeconomic conditions of neighborhoods were. This illustrates that while the ethnicity might influence where people initially settle, changes in socioeconomic status can lead to different residential choices.
In conclusion, stating that social and family status, as well as ethnicity, have no impact on residential choices or that residential choices are based solely on economic factors, would be an oversimplification. These elements interplay to shape individual and familial decisions on where to live, often compounded by broader societal structures and economic systems that can facilitate or restrict movement and opportunities in various ways. Thus the assertion that both social and family status and ethnicity are key factors in residential choices is a more nuanced viewpoint, recognizing the multifaceted nature of human lives and society.