Iranian Rural Youths' Intention to Migrate to Urban Areas

Abstract

This study probed into the migration intentions of rural youths in West Iran and sought to identify the variables influencing these intentions. The study found that about one-third of the youths had a high to very high intention of migrating to urban areas. The stepwise multiple regression revealed four factors to be statistically significant determinants of migration intentions, namely, attitudes to agriculture, family structure, parental relations, and number of friends and family members in the urban areas. Findings suggest that supporting inter-generational relationships and agricultural activities, and enhancing the economic and socio-cultural aspects of rural areas can encourage young people to remain in the rural areas.