Ecological perspective of the construction of life projects by rural youth

Abstract

The life projects of Colombian young people in rural areas are facing difficulties in terms of planning and implementation. This study sought to identify the factors that affect rural young people’s construction of life projects. This involved the use of a qualitative research methodology, ethnomethodological approach and cross-sectional design. Semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participant observation and documentary analysis were selected as data collection techniques. A total of 117 adolescents, 8 teachers and 6 parents participated. Using the ecological model, the results facilitated understanding of the individual and social factors that influence the life projects of rural youth. The study identified the importance of the relationship of rural adolescents with the characteristics of their context and specifically the microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems and macrosystems they inhabit.