Coming of Age Among U.S. Farm Boys in the Late 1800S: Occupational and Residential Choices

Abstract

Data from the National Panel Study are used to investigate occupational choices and migration status among a sample of U.S. white farm boys in the late 1800s. Originally sampled when 5 to 14 years old in 1880, these boys are traced to the 1900 census when they were young adults. In general, the decision to leave farming was related to the urban-industrial "pull" of the surrounding environment and the degree of farm mechanization of the community. While migratory behavior correlates positively with occupational change, the major social corre lates are somewhat different. Variations in migration are not strongly related to the urban- industrial and agricultural environments. Rather, variables measuring the probability of farm inheritance emerge as stronger predictors.

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