A Comparative Study on the Awareness of the Social Benefits of Rural Life among Korean Middle School Student

농촌과 도시지역 중학생의 농촌ㆍ농업공익기능 인식 비교 연구

The characteristics of social and cultural life in agricultural regions in Korea encompass several positive external effects: quality of food services, awareness of environmental conservation, aesthetic enjoyment of nature and so on. The objectives of this study were (1) to measure the awareness among Korean youth of the benefits of rural life; (2) to delineate the differences between rural and urban youth; and (3) to promote an awareness of the importance of the social benefits of living in the country. To fulfill these purposes, a field survey method was used. The subjects were 211 third grade students from middle schools in rural and urban regions in Korea. The statistical methods used for this data included frequencies, percentages, 1-tests, etc. The study generatedconclusive findings about viewpoints toward the natural environment, urban and rural social culture, and perceptions of economic status. It showed significant differences between rural and urban youth's awareness of ideas such as'green field supply','labor power supply'and 'biodiversity conservation'.