The relationship between vehicle ownership and quality of life for low income households
File(s)
Date
20132012
Author
Herrem, Shiloh
Advisor(s)
Wolfgram, Susan
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Transportation difficulties are consistently cited by low-income
individuals as an obstacle to achieving financial sustainability
(Anderson & Van Hoy, 2006; Brabo, Kilde, Pesek-Herriges, Quinn,
& Sanderud-Nordquist, 2003; Fletcher, Garasky, Jensen, & Nielsen,
2010; Garasky, Fletcher, & Jensen, 2006; Lichtenwalter, Koeske, &
Sales, 2006). This non-random pilot study investigated whether reliable,
private vehicle ownership improved the quality of life for low-income
households by surveying participants of a program in West Central
Wisconsin that assists low-income individuals with purchasing reliable
vehicles. It was hypothesized that reliable, private vehicle ownership
would improve the quality of life for low-income households. Survey
data was analyzed using frequencies. Results indicate quality of life
was improved by owning a reliable vehicle. Future research would
benefit from a larger sample that generalizes based on immediate
environment, takes into account the psychological effects of barriers
on quality of life, and utilizes qualitative and/or longitudinal studies
Subject
Transportation
Policy
Low-income
Poverty
Employment barriers