Tracing variations within ‘rural habitus’: an explanation of why young men stay or leave isolated rural towns in southwest Queensland

Abstract

An explanation is presented about what keeps young men in isolated rural areas. The purpose is to contribute a concrete analysis of habitus as used in educational research. Inadequacies in application of the term are demonstrated in research conducted on school and work by the author in a rural town. An analysis of changes from labour‐intensive work on grazing properties and practices of kangaroo and pig hunting are linked to a form of capital to demonstrate proof of a man's ability as a good worker. A form of ‘rural habitus’ is illustrated in an interview with a young man about to enter the workforce. It is argued that dispositions to working on rural properties and in the bush have become enduring forms of capital. They are resistant to school capital and the means through which young men prove their worth as adults in changing rural labour markets.

Keywords:

• rural work and education
• rural migration
• habitus
• capitals

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Jean‐Pierre Faguer, Centre for European Sociology, and John Stevenson, Griffith University, for friendship, continuing support and numerous, patient discussions.

Notes

1. However tentatively done, the following report attempts to positively advance new questions about Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus, to inform debate about method not theorising. Theory, for those who would ask for it, is to be found in my use, well founded or ill informed, of the concept itself. Such is the position taken to Bourdieu's work.

2. Radius was the term given by a property owner in answer to a question on how properties saw rural towns such as Westedge.

3. The word station refers to the large landholdings given out as pastoral leases in the mid‐1800s. Station and property are used interchangeably. Owners are called ‘graziers’.

4. Population declines to 17% were recorded in the previous 10 years, mainly in the 15–35 age group. Rationalisation of government services accounted for losses of people and their children, impacting on business, closures and further job loss.

5. Bourdieu (2000, in passing) makes similar references to the ‘lust of the lower orders’ and a ‘wonderment’ of philosophers that country folk could put aside a day to ‘chase the hare’ with reference to Pascal.