Factors Related to the Migration Preferences of Utah\u27s 1980 High School Seniors

This study examines the personal migration preferences of Utah high school seniors in 1980 and their relationship to perceived parental preferences, family status, length of residence, religion, sex, and type of residence. A focal area of the thesis is an examination of the consistency between personal preferences and preferences of parents as perceived by the youth. The primary data used for this study came from a sample survey of 1980 high school seniors who were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Cross-tabulations were used with chi square to test for significance of association. The results of this study suggest that parental preferences play an important part in influencing the decision-making process of youth contemplating migration. The research suggests that the plans of metropolitan youth are more consistent with the perceived preferences of their parents than are those of nonmetropolitan youth. The research also suggests that the plans of LDS (Mormon) youth are more consistent with their parents perceived preference as compared to the plans of non-LDS youth. With respect to personal preferences, Utah youth living in nonmetropolitan areas prefer to migrate more often than metropolitan youth. Research also shows that males, LDS youth, youth from intact families and long-term residents all prefer to stay more often in their present place of residence when compared to females, non-LDS youth, youth from broken families and short-term residents