Rural-Urban Differences in Community Satisfaction: Real and Relatively Important

Using interview data collected from 595 subjects living in 5 Utah counties, 2 dimensions of community satisfaction (economic and interpersonal) were identified via factor analysis. Employing a theoretical framework of rural-urban differences, the impact of residence on the two dimensions of satisfac...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Miller, Michael K, Crader, Kelly W
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published 26.08.1976
Subjects
Academic Achievement
Age
Analysis of Covariance
Community Benefits
Community Satisfaction
Economic Factors
Factor Analysis
Family Structure
Income
Interpersonal Relationship
Need Gratification
Research Criteria
Rural Urban Differences
Tables (Data)
Utah
Utah
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Summary:Using interview data collected from 595 subjects living in 5 Utah counties, 2 dimensions of community satisfaction (economic and interpersonal) were identified via factor analysis. Employing a theoretical framework of rural-urban differences, the impact of residence on the two dimensions of satisfaction was tested by regression analysis and found to be considerable. The level of economic satisfaction was highest for urban residents and lowest for rural residents. The satisfaction level of the rural-urban split sample fell between the two extremes. Residence also differentiated interpersonal satisfaction. However, on this dimension the relative rankings were reversed. Again the satisfaction level of rural-urban split residents fell between the two extremes. Employing techniques of analysis of covariance and multiple-partial correlation, the impact of residence on community satisfaction was maintained when controlling for personal characteristics (age, income, education, family size, and tenure in the community). In view of the findings, it was suggested that "rurality" as a behavioral trait should assume much greater importance and be viewed in conjunction with structural measures, and greater attention should be directed toward residence of origin in conjunction with present residence. (Author/JC)