The Illusio of Rural Youth Community Engagement

ABSTRACT Based on qualitative interviews with youth active in civic, political and social engagement in rural Sweden, this study explores rural young people's experiences of meaningful community engagement, the challenges they face and their connection to mobility processes. While the analysis draws on the full dataset, the paper draws heavily on the experiences of two respondents, Malin and Mohamed, whose narratives are used to illustrate and deepen the understanding of these themes. Using a Bourdieusian lens, particularly the concepts of habitus, capital, fields and illusio, the analysis shows that engagement becomes meaningful in relation to young people's sense of belonging to place, community and rural values. It also highlights how power structures, especially those related to age, gender and racialisation, shape young people's experiences of engagement. Ultimately, the article argues that engagement and mobility are not necessarily in conflict but may coexist within young people's life projects and aspirations.