Between illicit economies and having a dream: Exploring rural youth aspirations and life-courses in a rural municipality in Colombia

Rural youth's aspirations and life-courses are shaped by complex interplays of external (social, economic, historical) and internal (agency-driven) factors. In rural Colombia, characterized by illicit economic pressures and a legacy of armed conflict, structural realities may constrain youth's ability to achieve transformative life trajectories. This study investigates how these influence youths' life-course decision making-in a remote village. The Possible Selves and intersectionality theories guided the study by addressing overlapping social identities and power structures that shape youth's lived experiences. Employing a participatory photovoice initiative, participants led data interpretation and thematic analysis; five themes emerged: youth, ecosystem, entrepreneurism, agriculture and livestock production, and effort and joy. Findings illustrate a tension between youth aspirations—characterized by hopes for stability, education, and community engagement—and the structural constraints imposed by marginalizing economic systems and a history of internal conflict. Neoliberal and illicit economic frameworks, coupled with conflict legacies, undermine rural youth agency and curtail opportunities for meaningful participation. Under these conditions, aspirations tend toward survival oriented -goals rather than transformative social change, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion. To foster rural youth's aspirations, interventions must strengthen agency through improved access to quality education and inclusive participation in decision-making- processes. • Rural youth navigate aspirations amid conflict and dual licit/illicit economies. • Photovoice reveals agency and constraints shaping youth life-courses in rural Colombia. • Highlights how structural factors limit rural youth participation and opportunities.