The impact of the 1992 Newfoundland fisheries crisis on school children in rural communities: a focus on community perceptions, future career interests and academic achievements

• Main Author: Sharpe, Sarah L.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2004
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/11410/; https://research.library.mun.ca/11410/1/Sharpe_SarahL.pdf

Past studies looking into the effects of economic crisis in rural communities have focused on adults and adolescents. These studies have indicated that residents have often reacted negatively to the financial and social loss associated with unemployment. These reactions can include depression and a sense of hopelessness when looking towards the future. However, this type of loss can be mediated through economic resiliency if communities tum to alternate industries for employment. Resiliency in rural communities can also be strengthened through close social networks that provide a foundation for support, and aid in coping following economic crisis. Few studies have focused on the effects of economic change on children in rural communities. This study examines the effects of unemployment on children and focuses on communities that experienced economic loss following the 1992 Newfoundland fisheries moratorium. -- The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of the moratorium on children's career interests, community perceptions and academic achievements. The children participating in this study lived in two rural communities that experienced high levels of unemployment following the closure of the fishery. One region (A-cove) has since focused efforts on the development of other existing industries while the second region (B-cove) had few alternate resources for employment. Therefore, these two communities experienced different economic situations following the moratorium and provided unique settings with which to compare children's interests, perceptions and achievements. -- Nineteen grade four students in A-cove and 22 grade four students in B-cove participated in this study through the completion of a survey on future career interests and through six focus groups on the topic of community perceptions. Academic achievement was measured with retrospective data from the Canadian Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS). These data provided grade six scores between 1985 and 1991, and four scores between 1987 and 1996 ...