In the age-old debate of whether young people should abandon their small-town roots and flock to bustling cities for a brighter future, new research suggests that the answer may not be as simple as it seems. The prevailing notion of “metrocentricity of youth,” coined by sociologist David Farrugia, assumes that moving away is the ultimate path to success. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that various factors come into play when considering whether leaving one’s hometown is truly the key to achieving life goals.
A recent study delved into the perspectives of young individuals residing in rural communities across Scotland, shedding light on how they contemplate their future prospects. The findings revealed that the decision to leave one’s hometown depends on both personal aspirations and the available resources.
Renowned French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu offers valuable insights into how individuals make life choices. Bourdieu introduces the concept of “capital,” encompassing the resources that afford us certain opportunities. Additionally, he explores “habitus,” which examines how our social environment shapes our worldview and aspirations. These ideas have formed the foundation of a career development theory known as “careership.”
Habitus helps elucidate how our upbringing influences the futures we envision, encompassing not just employment but also housing, family life, and community. Bourdieu’s broader notion of capital further explains how individuals possess varying capacities to venture beyond their hometowns, contingent on their financial resources, personal networks, and past experiences of mobility. This suggests that deciding where to reside is a complex matter, influenced by our social context and the resources at our disposal.
Research suggests a strong correlation between leaving rural areas and pursuing higher education. Studies conducted by Canadian education scholar Michael Corbett indicate that excelling academically often drives young individuals to “learn to leave” their communities. In countries like the UK, where attending university away from home is a long-standing tradition, young people may possess the necessary resources, such as study grants or loans, to facilitate relocation. This confluence of aspirations and resources creates opportunities for departure.
However, intriguingly, research involving young individuals from rural backgrounds highlights that it is not merely the opportunities themselves that explain their inclination to leave their communities. Instead, moving away is often associated with personal growth, increased confidence, and newfound independence. This crucial distinction suggests that relocating can be a choice driven by factors other than accessing what might be perceived as the “best” opportunities.
Despite the allure of urban life, not all young people can or wish to abandon their hometowns. In fact, evidence suggests that an increasing number of young individuals opt to stay at home for their studies or return post-graduation.
The research reveals that decisions to stay or return are often positive choices rooted in relationships and careers. Some young people opt to return to be closer to family or live with a partner, seeking to establish a stable foundation for their lives. Additionally, graduates, especially those in professions such as law, medicine, and education, may find that their rural hometowns offer employment opportunities aligned with their career aspirations.
Working in smaller communities may also appeal to those desiring a stronger connection to their local environment. Moreover, despite higher salaries in larger cities, the lower housing costs prevalent in regional areas make them more financially viable options.
Nevertheless, returning home is not always a rosy experience. Financial insecurities and challenges in securing work or accommodation elsewhere can drive some individuals to return. Difficult life circumstances, such as relationship breakdowns or ailing elderly relatives, may also influence the decision to return. In such cases, limited opportunities in chosen careers within their hometowns make the experience of returning particularly challenging for young people.
Prior research highlights the influence of “metrocentricity of youth” in shaping young individuals’ thoughts about their future destinations and endeavors. This mindset risks positioning returning or staying at home as personal failures. However, on the contrary, opting to remain or return to a small community can be a positive choice. Furthermore, decisions to stay or leave are frequently driven by circumstances beyond one’s control.
As life circumstances evolve, decisions regarding relocation or staying put can be revisited. What one decides at a particular moment does not necessarily dictate their future indefinitely. It is essential to recognize the nuanced complexities that underpin young people’s choices, empowering them to make informed decisions and forge their own paths toward a fulfilling future.
