“I’ve been through a lot”: Perspectives on growing up in rural poverty

Joy R. Lile and Katherine A. MacTavish

Children and Youth Services Review, 2020, vol. 119, issue C

Abstract: Research suggests that poverty and rural contexts can create specific risk and/or protective factors in the developmental trajectories of adolescents. This study examined the experiences and perspectives of low-income, rural adolescents, as well as of the non-parental adults who supported them and community leaders. Data were collected via key informant interviews and participant observation in a rural community in Oregon. Researchers utilized a symbolic interactionist lens in study design and data analysis to understand constructed meanings, shared interpretations, and disparate understandings held by youth and adults in the community. Some of the challenges that these youth faced included mental health issues, homelessness, and school disruption. Sources of strength and support are also reported, including youth agency, family, non-parental adults, and community. The results have implications for educators and community service providers working with low-income adolescents in rural communities.

Keywords: Adolescent; Poverty; Rural; Mental health; Interview; Qualitative; Symbolic interaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:119:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920319897

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105566

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