Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Kelly R. Chermack
Abstract
AbstractSixty-four percent of North Carolina's growth is due to migration, translating into approximately 86,200 migrants residing in the state. Amenity migrations (the relocation of specific populations into sometimes, low-income, rural communities of people) have given rise to changes in many residents' lived experiences related to North Carolina communities seeking education or lifelong learning. Many older adults seek lifelong learning education that is affected by amenity migrations. As new technologies and socioeconomic changes emerge, baby boomers may strive to compete with millennials for jobs and domestic stability. The purpose of this heuristic, phenomenological study was to understand the daily, lived financial and educational experiences of low-income, rural residents seeking education or lifelong learning who have been affected by amenity migrations in rural North Carolina. Data were collected from seven low-income residents who live in rural North Carolina, are pursuing education or lifelong learning and were also being affected by amenity migrations. Five themes emerged from First and Second Cycle coding. The themes were focused on earning money and competing jobs, a need for skills to return to the workforce, online courses and accessibility, the problem of commute times to and from work and school, and overcrowding affecting work, school, life, and relationships. The potential for social change is to contribute to scholarly discourse on amenity migrations and experiences of residents. This research may also inform policymakers and program managers/staff executing supports.
Recommended Citation
Attles-Allen, Lenora Ellen, "Amenity Migrations and Gentrification Among Low-Income Residents of Rural North Carolina Seeking Education or Lifelong Learning" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 11154.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/11154
