ABSTRACT

In the context of high outmigration, this study drew on the experiences of college educated young adults (N = 30) who made conscious commitments to live in Appalachian Kentucky and work on social, economic, and environmental changes in the region. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory methods, we present doing place as a context specific framework that highlights three dynamic and multi-directional strategies that guided participants’ decisions, commitments, and meaning making. Working out place emphasized how place is acquired and navigated. Keeping peace in place highlighted the strategies engaged to maintain relationships and well-being in place. Connecting to the big picture depicted how meaning making is infused throughout these experiences. These including working out place, keeping peace in place, and connecting to the big picture. We discuss theoretical contributions to place and practical implications in social work education and practice in and beyond the region.

摘要

在高度外迁的背景下，本研究借鉴了受过大学教育的年轻人 (N = 30) 的经验，他们有意识地承诺在阿巴拉契亚肯塔基州生活并致力于该地区的社会、经济和环境变化。使用建构主义扎根理论方法，我们将“做地”作为一个特定于上下文的框架，突出了指导参与者决策、承诺和意义制定的三种动态和多方向的策略。制定地点强调如何获取和导航地点。保持和平突出了维持关系和福祉的战略。连接到大局描述了如何在这些体验中注入意义。这些包括锻炼场所，保持和平，并连接到大局。