Why do people decide not to emigrate? A baseline study for the design of rural development programs in the province of Cuenca (Spain)

Abstract

Rural development strategies aim at halting depopulation, as low population density implies a decrease in the quantity and quality of social services. For this reason, many studies have been devoted to identify causes of migration in both rural-urban and urban-rural directions, but no studies have addressed the reasons why some people go against the tide and decide to stay in rural areas. Within this perspective, we have undertaken a study that analyzes individual cases of people under forty in the Spanish province of Cuenca who have voluntarily chosen rural areas as their home. “Attachment to the village” is revealed as the main determinant of the decision of remaining in the home village.