Who am I and what do I want? : using interpretative phenomenological analysis to investigate the experiences of young men growing up in a rural community : reflections on identity and aspirations

摘要

This study uses qualitative methodology with five male participants, aged between 14 and 18, to obtain their perceptions of what it is like to be a young man growing up in a rural community. In preparation for the research element of this piece, literature from developmental and social psychology, human geography and social policy was considered. Previous research from other countries with large rural populations, Canada, Australia and the United States was considered along with other British and European studies. Main topics of focus include notions of identity, aspiration and attachment to place, together with other concepts relating to social capital, positive youth development and subjective well-being. Current and previous UK government policy is debated together with a review of the role of educational psychologists. There is also discussion over their potential role in post school transition, with particular reference to their development in Scotland. A pilot study and main study were carried out with homogeneous populations. The findings from both pilot and main study are discussed. Data generation methods were photo elicitation and semi structured interviews. Participants generated and selected images that they wished to discuss to illustrate the research question. The research question was What is it like to be a young man growing up in a rural community? ' Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to examine the data. Findings from this study indicated that, for these participants, the experience of growing up in a rural community is complex with many factors playing their part, including family support, feelings of attachment to the locality, out of school experiences and how happy they feel about themselves. Their revelations about aspiration show that it is an holistic construct for these participants encompassing more than economic and academic goals.