This paper deals with the attempt to survey facts and possible actions to increase the attractiveness of the district Bruck-Mürzzuschlag for highly qualified women. In a lot of regions of Styria, and also in the political district Bruck-Mürzzuschlag, there are ongoing transformation processes. The paper focuses not only on the migration of highly qualified, the so called brain drain, but beyond on the exit of young women. Besides the loss of competence and intelligence owing to the brain drain, possible consequences are far-reaching. The exit of young women can lead to a downward spiral in social, economically and spatial terms. The theoretical focus is based on the feminism and educational theory, as well as the discussion and integration of basic migration theories. Through the analysis of public statistics the present situation in the study area is reflected. Also quantitative and qualitative research was carried out. The online-questionnaire was send out to all students of the University Graz and other interested and was analyzed on multiple spatial levels (federation-, country-, district-level). Overall 662 students, the majorities were women, have participated in the online-survey. Most students imagine their home-district as quite attractive. The social component was identified as a main binding and deciding factor for the students. According to the issue of the thesis, especially the results of the district level were interesting. Those aspects, which make the district Bruck-Mürzzuschlag currently attractive or unattractive for female students were identified, as well as those factors, which can contribute attractiveness. These factors for attractiveness were discussed and reflected in the qualitative interviews, with highly qualified women out of various economic and political positions. As a result, possible measures, focused on the social component, have been workd out. |