Social Identities, Risky Behavior, & the Rural Youth Experience: Geographies of Northern Vermont Teens
Conference Year
2023
Abstract
Rural youth are marginalized within landscapes and in literature. This study examines the rural teen experience in Northern Vermont. Findings suggest that a young person’s social identity, class, race, gender, and more can impact their well-being and shape their worldview. Further, small, tight-knit rural communities can create an amplified class structure, meaning young peoples’ identity, reputation, and social group is closely tied to their family’s income level. This research shows that young people in the area lack designated social spaces and need targeted community planning to create more accessible spaces that better meet the needs of all young people.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Cheryl Morse
Graduate Student Mentors
Alice Fothergill
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Second Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Geography
Primary Research Category
Social Science
Social Identities, Risky Behavior, & the Rural Youth Experience: Geographies of Northern Vermont Teens
Rural youth are marginalized within landscapes and in literature. This study examines the rural teen experience in Northern Vermont. Findings suggest that a young person’s social identity, class, race, gender, and more can impact their well-being and shape their worldview. Further, small, tight-knit rural communities can create an amplified class structure, meaning young peoples’ identity, reputation, and social group is closely tied to their family’s income level. This research shows that young people in the area lack designated social spaces and need targeted community planning to create more accessible spaces that better meet the needs of all young people.