Being young in rural settings: Young people‘s everyday community affiliations and trepidations

Abstract

Geographical isolation creates a special context of obligations, reciprocal relationships, social network systems, inclusion and exclusion strategies, and a need to focus on maintaining services, employment opportunities and business infrastructures. This research explored Australian young people’s role and everyday circumstances within a rural community context, and their involvement in community events as beneficiaries of what the communities have to offer and as active participants influencing the communities’ youth agenda. The empirical data is based on a survey of 751 high school students between the ages of 14 and 21 years. The local government level and the community organisational level were explored to enhance the understanding of young people’s life in rural communities. The findings underline females’ community role in building social cohesion, being more inclusive in their social behaviour and actions to strengthen the existing community culture. Young males were the dominant users of community services, but showed less interest in promoting community well-being, thus demonstrating a higher level of self-reliance, expecting less help and support from their friends than young females.