Publication details
The perception of the decline of „true rural life“ through the lens of ideal rural childhood
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| Citation | |
| Description | This study explores how adults in peripheral rural areas interpret social change through the lens of an ideal rural childhood. Using a cultural, sociological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 26 residents in the Moravia region of the Czech Republic. The analysis focuses on three binary distinctions: (1) safety vs. danger, (2) active community vs. passive isolation, and (3) independence vs. dependence. The (1) safety vs. danger binary reveals a desire for secure environments, contrasting rural tranquility with urban threats and technology. The (2) active community vs. passive isolation binary highlights concerns about technology's impact on social interactions, emphasizing the need for face-to-face engagement. Lastly, the (3) independence vs. dependence binary reflects worries about losing practical skills and increasing reliance on technology and parental oversight. Our findings show that adults construct an idealized rural childhood through which they critique broader societal changes. We highlight the need for a balance between traditional values and contemporary challenges, revealing how cultural narratives shape perceptions of rural childhood by adults. |
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