Young People in Rural Areas of Europe

Despite an EU-wide commitment to rural development, research has rarely focused on the lives of young people in rural areas, their experiences in education and employment, their perceptions of policies relevant to them, and their possibilities of participation. Based on a two-year European research project on policies and young people in rural development, this edited volume examines these issues and considers young people's experiences of rural life in Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Scotland. The volume is organized thematically with each chapter addressing a specific topic in one or more countries. These topics comprise: the attractiveness of rural areas to young people; the impact of programmes under the European Employment Guidelines; rural youth in local community development and partnerships; rural development programmes and their impact on youth integration; the role of social networks; and the transition from education to employment. A number of implications for policy and practice are drawn out in conclusion. This book will be of interest to anyone concerned with the future of rural areas and with those who live in the European countryside.

Contents: Introduction, Birgit Jentsch and Mark Shucksmith; Conceptual framework and literature review, Mark Shucksmith; The changing rural context, Toivo Miulu, Alana Gilbert, Euan Phimister and Mark Shucksmith; Methodology, Birgit Jentsch; The attractiveness of rural areas for young people, Elizabeth Auclair and Didier Vanoni; The impact of programmes under the European employment guidelines on young people in rural areas, Gerhard Dietz and Gerhard Christe; Rural youth in local community development: lessons through partnership, Brian McGrath; Rural development programmes and their impact on youth integration, Thomas Dax, Ingrid Machold and Christine Meisinger; Social networks, labour market and policy impact in Santa Marta de Penaguiao, Chris Gerry, Patricia António, Carlos Marques, Jose Portela and Vasco Rebelo; Experience of rural youth in the 'Risk Society': transitions from education to the labour market, Birgit Jentsch; Conclusion, Birgit Jentsch and Mark Shucksmith; Bibliography; Appendices; Index.