A literature review of rural youth studies in Latin America and the Caribbean during 2001-2019

Abstract

This literature review includes45 research studies focused on Latin American rural youth. The studies were published in peer-reviewed research journals between 2001-2019. The analysis is divided into study approaches, methods, participants, and findings. Four research approaches were identified: 1)rural youth migration, 2)education and/or communication, 3)expectations or future perspectives of the rural youth, and 4)rural youth characterization. Although traditional definitions of youthuse an age range of 14-25 years, a broad criterion for selecting participants was observed. Regarding methods, the studies used quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method analyses; however, in some cases,elements such as the qualitative research approach, the statistical representativeness (for quantitative studies), and the triangulation strategy in the mixed-method analysis were not mentioned or followed. The findings of the four research approaches coincided with the fact that the rural contexts in Latin America create socioeconomic barriers for rural youth development; therefore, rural youth aspirations are more focused on urban activities. In addition, some authors highlighted the importance of education or extension programs developed by local governments to empower rural youth in Latin America.

Keywords

• rural education
• rural migration
• youth characterization
• youth development
• youth expectations