Adolescents’ Future Aspirations and Expectations in the Context of a Shifting Rural Economy

The Role of the Rural Context in the Transition to Adulthood: A Scoping Review

“…Due to the transitional nature of young adulthood, social development outcomes tended to focus broadly on transitions to adult social roles. Longitudinal quantitative studies examined how future aspirations and expectations in adolescence were related to actual adult social role transitions, educational and work attainment, and residential aspirations in young adulthood (Beal et al, 2016 ; Sharp et al, 2020 ; Crockett & Beal, 2012 ;). Four of the six qualitative studies conducted inquiries into social role transitions including the meaning of marriage for rural young people (Kefalas et al, 2011 ), work (Olson, 2016 ; San Antonio & Kaplan-Bucciarelli, 2020 ; Schmitt-Wilson et al, 2019 ), and living independently in rural communities (Schmitt-Wilson et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Four of the six qualitative studies conducted inquiries into social role transitions including the meaning of marriage for rural young people (Kefalas et al, 2011 ), work (Olson, 2016 ; San Antonio & Kaplan-Bucciarelli, 2020 ; Schmitt-Wilson et al, 2019 ), and living independently in rural communities (Schmitt-Wilson et al, 2019 ). The intersection of rural and social class appeared to constrain work and educational opportunities (San Antonio & Kaplan-Bucciarelli, 2020 ; Sharp et al, 2020 ) while the rural context appeared to promote an earlier transition to marriage in young adulthood (Kefalas et al, 2011 ). Notably, only one article focused on identity development in young rural Latinx males in the context of the transition to adulthood (Carrillo, 2016 ), a time when personal, racial, gender, and other identities are more fully explored (Arnett, 2007 ).…”

“…The integration of rural in the discussion and implications sections of the articles was evidenced in the following ways: research and theoretical implications, policy implications, using the rural context of the study to provide potential explanations for results, and comparisons with other rural populations and/or studies. Research and theoretical implications (n = 6) included supporting theories of rural poverty (Berry & Hirschl, 2017 ); an explanatory model of reasons for and against drinking and driving (Greene et al, 2018 ); geography and cultural contexts (rural) that shape orientations towards marriage for young adults (Kefalas et al, 2011 ); strength-based, resilience models that foster positive development among rural youth (Murry et al, 2014 ); different socialization processes for rural male and female adolescents that influence future aspirations and contributes to the rural brain drain (Sharp et al, 2020 ); and conceptualizing neighborhood risk of problem behaviors using the dimensions of race/ethnicity, class, and geography (rural) (Warner, 2016 ). The authors of these empirical studies discussed their findings in relation to the contributions to theories and models or providing support for further research pathways into contextual influences of behavioral health and social development outcomes.…”

“…Greene et al ( 2018 ) recommended the risk and protective factors identified in their study be used to inform prevention programming and increase DUI enforcement to reduce drinking and driving behaviors. Several studies (n = 4) highlighted a need to connect rural young people to careers and/or economic opportunities such as aligning secondary education to trades (Sharp et al, 2020 ), provide occupational opportunities at a reputable salary and advertising these through online channels (Schmidt-Wilson et al, 2019 ), opportunities for career exploration (e.g., Makerspaces) (San Antonio & Kaplan-Bucciarelli, 2020 ), and investing in local community colleges to provide educational programs to young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds (Berry & Hirschl, 2017 ). The remaining studies (n = 9) described implications for research, theory, and policy more broadly.…”

“…The heterogenous nature of rural communities supports the idea that the rural-specific context may indeed influence the results of empirical studies. The economic disadvantage, loss of economic opportunities specific to that geographic location, or agrarian economy and lifestyle were described as possible contributors in six studies (Beal et al, 2016 ; Crockett & Beal, 2012 ; Kefalas et al, 2011 ; Schmitt-Wilson et al, 2019 ; San Antonio & Kaplan Bucciarelli, 2020 ; Sharp et al, 2020 ). Two studies highlighted the structural challenges of residing in rural communities such as disparities in mental health providers and racial or sexual identity discrimination (Carrillo, 2016 ; Pachankis et al, 2020 ).…”