RURAL YOUTH 3 



The Problems of Rural Youth 



In order to discover the most important needs of the \ oung people, interviewers 

 asked each to select from a list of 13 personal problems the two that he or she 

 found most pressing. Their answers are summarized in figure 1. 



Economic problems were listed most frequently b\" the boys. Two out of 

 every five responses had to do with making a living, finding a job, or getting 

 started in farming. One-fourth of the problems listed by the girls also had to do 

 with economic welfare. For the total group of young people economic problems 

 outweighed any other. 



Next in importance was the need for more education and for vocational guid- 

 ance. One-fourth of the problems of the boys and girls had to do with education. 

 This emphasis upon economic and educational problems reflects a seriousness not 

 generally attributed to joung people. But it must be remembered that the last 

 depression struck these young people at an impressionable age. The sobering 

 effect of the depression years is indicated in their present attitudes. 



Figure 1 



Each symbol represents 5 percent 



Personal needs considered most outstanding by the girls ma\' be grouped under 

 the heading "social." Twenty-nine percent of their responses were concerned 

 with knowing more young people, developing their own personalities, and en- 

 joying more entertainment. For boys, on the other hand, social opportunities 

 did not seem so significant, or perhaps were thought unworthy of male con- 

 sideration. 



One out of five of these young people checked "opportunity to travel" as one 

 of their major problems. The significance of this item is difficult to measure, 

 and probably depends upon when and why the desire to travel comes to the front 

 before the various economic, educational, and social problems. A partial explana- 

 tion may be found in the quest for new experience; but, more likeh', the prevalence 

 of this desire for travel represents a degree of discontent and dissatisfaction which 

 these young people feel in their home communities, and from which they vaguely 

 wish to break awav. 



