During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Gap in Career Awareness Between Urban and Rural Students Widened

Numerous studies have examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students’ attitudes. However, little is known about how their career awareness changed and how such changes differed between urban and rural areas. This study analyzed psychological data collected through a questionnaire survey conducted from 9 November 2020, to 19 January 2021, among 516 first- to fourth-year students enrolled in social science faculties in Japan. The analysis compared changes in career awareness by university location. The results indicated that, during the pandemic, urban students placed greater emphasis on self-worth, while rural students placed greater emphasis on working conditions, suggesting a possible widening gap between the two groups. Furthermore, logistic multiple regression and path analyses revealed that, among rural students, greater concern for working conditions was associated with a stronger focus on interpersonal relationships, which in turn enhanced their preference for local employment. In addition, valuing interpersonal relationships was linked to a stronger focus on social recognition, which may foster more intrinsic aspects of career awareness.