Understanding rural youth in 1930s Utah and the programs shaping their lives
This nonfiction study analyzes unmarried young people, 16 to 25 years old, in three Utah counties. It examines how education, work, money, housing, and social life influence their futures, with a focus on farming communities and town economies.
The book lays out who these young people are, what they do for schooling and work, how they earn and use money, and how they participate in local organizations. It highlights the role of family living, noncash supports, and the kinds of opportunities that help or hinder their plans for further education and career paths. The findings reflect a landscape where social activities, church groups, and youth clubs intersect with economic and occupational choices.
What you’ll experience
- A clear picture of educational status, out-of-school patterns, and vocational interests among rural youth
- Insights into typical income sources, both cash wages and noncash family support
- Details on savings, property ownership, and how money shapes opportunities
- An overview of social life, organizations, and leadership among young people
Ideal for readers of rural sociology, agricultural extension history, and researchers tracing how young people balanced education, work, and community life during the era.