Abstract
In the last twenty years, the United States has seen a decrease in the number of births. Despite this, a rural county in Illinois is experiencing a local “baby boom.” This thesis examines the relationship between rurality and life aspirations of mothers below the age of twenty-five. Using census data along with personal accounts from a series of interviews, a picture of inadequate social programs and traditional local norms emerges. Results show that family values, healthcare access, and conscious and unconscious gender roles play a large role in the decisions young women make regarding the decision to become a mother.
Advisor
Fitz Gibbon, Heather
Department
Urban Studies
Recommended Citation
Gray, Olivia, "The Effect of Rurality on Life Aspirations of Young Mothers" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13153.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13153
Disciplines
Sociology
Keywords
Birth rate, rural, young mothers
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Olivia Gray