engleski

Village – free choice or destiny for the rural youth (a study on the rural community of Vođinci)

The paper presents results of a survey research carried out the Slavonian village of Vođinci in 2006. The survey focused on opinion of the young population about the quality of life and disadvantages of living in a rural area, and on their intention to stay in/leave the village. The results indicate that the main drawbacks for the young living in the village are poor working conditions (including unemployment and lack of prospective in agriculture), unavailability of social and cultural amenities, and neglected public areas. The young prefer living in the village and working in a city. They feel socially excluded and remain passive as regards taking initiative and creating their own future in the village they live in. In the group of youth that show intention to leave the village are more women, the young 20-24 years of age, those who prefer city as a place to live and work, those who believe unemployment is the major problem facing the rural communities, and finally those who are not satisfied with their life in the country.

rural society; rural youth; migratibility; social inclusion

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