Conducted in 1955 and 1980, random sample interview data of 17 to 28 year-old West Germans from places of less than 5,000 inhabitants are used to support the thesis that the post-adolescent phase has been prolonged in the countryside of West Germany during these years of increasing technical and economic development. Findings indicate occupational adult positions are acquired later, while family adult positions are acquired earlier than 25 years ago, with young people leaving home earlier and more radically. A long period of post-adolescence promotes social change when long-term juveniles question goals and values of society and search for alternate behavior patterns. These young adults are open to innovations and have progressive ideas about marriage, family, and the positions of wives. Contemporary rural young adults with a long post-adolescence are more interested in political affairs and are more frequently attracted to progressive political parties. If this period is experienced positively, new ideas and constructive efforts toward further development can be expected. If this period is negative, evidence of resignation or aggression from young people can result. (NEC)