A Structural Equation Model of the Economic and Lifestyle Motives of Small-Scale Farmers in Illinois

Using survey data from Illinois, this study examines the factors which contribute to small-scale farmers' economic and lifestyle motives for farming. A conceptual definition of "lifestyle" is translated into measures of motives for farming, which are then used in a structural equation model. The major hypothesis is that for small-scale farmers, farming is a form of consumption rather than production. This hypothesis is based on the theory that lifestyle is an expressive behavior aimed at obtaining reference group membership from which social status is derived. For small-scale farmers it is suggested that their farm activities represent an attempt to fulfill an image of themselves as "farmer", even though their occupational identity is with their nonfarm employment. Farm background and life cycle stage are hypothesized to be important determinants of both economic and lifestyle motives for farming.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sociology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Schroeder, Emily Harper

• Sociology, General

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8422149

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71000