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Roots of Rural Youth: A Five-Year Systematic Review of Place Attachment

Author

Listed:
  • Alba Carrasco Cruz

    (Recognized Research Group on Psychosocial Analysis and Research, Department of Psychology, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Fátima Cruz-Souza

    (Recognized Research Group on Psychosocial Analysis and Research, Department of Psychology, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Gustavo González-Calvo

    (Department of Didactics of Musical, Artistic and Physical Expression, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain)

Abstract

This systematic review examines how recent scientific literature addresses place attachment among rural youth, emphasizing the central role of emotional bonds with place in decisions to stay, leave, or return to rural areas. Based on an analysis of studies published between 2019 and 2023, it considers factors such as country of publication, study participants, methodology, research approach, theoretical framework, and main findings. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science, applying inclusion criteria based on type of research, year of publication, language, and article relevance. The review includes 19 peer-reviewed articles. Methodologically, the reviewed articles employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection techniques. Key themes include urban migration and the relationship between place attachment and environmental awareness. Despite limitations such as regional disparities in study coverage, the findings highlight the challenges faced by rural youth under urbanormative cultural pressures. The review underscores the need for nuanced approaches that are sensitive to gender and other axes of oppression in addressing rural issues, and it advocates for a holistic understanding of rural youth experiences that takes into account intergenerational dynamics shaping their aspirations and decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Alba Carrasco Cruz & Fátima Cruz-Souza & Gustavo González-Calvo, 2025. "Roots of Rural Youth: A Five-Year Systematic Review of Place Attachment," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:9:p:554-:d:1751165
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francisco Simões & Antonella Rocca & Rui Rocha & Carlos Mateus & Elena Marta & Jale Tosun, 2021. "Time to Get Emotional: Determinants of University Students’ Intention to Return to Rural Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Camarero, Luis & Sampedro, Rosario, . "Despoblación y ruralidad transnacional: crisis y arraigo rural en Castilla y León," Economia Agraria y Recursos Naturales, Spanish Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 19(01).
    3. Nicole R. Bernsen & Mindy S. Crandall & Jessica E. Leahy & Jesse B. Abrams & Chris R. Colocousis, 2022. "Do rural youth want to stay rural? Influences on residential aspirations of youth in forest-located communities," Community Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 53(5), pages 566-584, October.
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