Predictors of Community Satisfaction Among Rural Residents

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Patrick LaShell.
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor, 1999.

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According to the systemic model of community attachment, the level of attachment that a person feels to their community is primarily associated with the length of time lived in the community, age, and social position. In this study, we examine how the systemic model may be modified by community conflict, in this case, controversy over the location of large-scale swine production operations in the community. Such operations have generated debate in rural communities, due to widespread disagreement among residents over their social, environmental, and economic impacts on the community. Residents of four northern Missouri counties -- two with large scale swine facilities and two without -- were surveyed (N=800). Preliminary data (n=500) indicate a high overall level of community satisfaction among respondents (81% somewhat to very satisfied with their community overall), with some differences in satisfaction based on the individual's experience with social, economic, and environmental impacts from the facilities.