We examine 100 years of rural education research within the context of the demographic, migratory, economic, and social changes that have affected rural America in the past century. We use systematic review of the literature on rural teacher recruitment, retention, and training as a case study for looking at the constancy and change in the…

Research on rural youth in Russia shows that keeping qualified and ambitious young people in the rural economy will require creating conditions for young people to exercise initiative in the rural economy and diminishing the gap in quality of life between rural and urban environments. Only in this way can the pessimism of rural youth be overcome.

Rural revitalization was the theme of the 1970s, and rural economic stress is the overriding issue of the 1980s. This stress is associated with both cyclical trends and with basic changes in the structure of the rural economy. These cyclical and structural changes affect, and are affected by, the human resource base of rural economies. Prior to…

Explores the theoretical and ideological background of privatization within the context of New Right politics. Examines the economic and social impacts on rural Britain of Thatcher government policies: "user pays" policies, private contracting of formerly public services, denationalization of utilities and industries, and deregulation.…

Rural communities have experienced dramatic demographic, social, and economic transformations over the past 30 years. Historically characterized by close links between natural resources and social, cultural, and economic structures, few of today's rural communities remain heavily dependent upon traditional extractive industries like ranching,…

Rural development is broader than just agriculture. Farm policy cannot solve rural community problems. Rural problems are sufficiently unique to require special emphasis and special programs. Since rural development has a broader focus than the local community, its problems need to be addressed by all levels of government as well as the private…

Rural sociology is intrinsically concerned with spatial dimensions of social life, but this underlying research tradition and its contributions to general sociology are little recognized. Concern with space, uneven development, and social relationships of peripheral settings have provided substantive boundaries and conceptual meaning to rural…

Controversy between two opposing factions have confused rural development policy formulation. Infrastructure advocates believe that the improvement of highways and sewer systems, as well as the provision of industrial park sites and industrial recruitment, are the keys to successful rural economic growth. Human resource development advocates…

Introduces three types of agricultural policy dealing with the sustainability of society, the agricultural sector, and rural people and places. Outlines sustainability issues and special interest groups related to each policy type, common ground, and the impact on rural policy of the environment, economic change, physical infrastructure, social…

Both the rural economy and the disability community in rural areas can benefit from a recognition that they are mutually dependent. With the decline of rural America, the economic base underpinning all aspects of disability support systems is weakening. In addition, rural disability services often are compartmentalized along functional lines with…

Intended for rural development practitioners and extension educators, this publication examines trends and issues in the revitalization of rural America. Chapter 1 defines community economic vitality as the capacity to ensure a flow of jobs and income over time; focuses attention on the realities of competition between communities and the…

The Midwest, Plains, and Delta are among the regions hit hardest by the current farm crisis. The vulnerability of an area to the financial crisis in farming depends on the financial conditions of its farmers, its dependence on farming--especially on export-sensitive crops--and the strength of its nonfarm economy. (JHZ)

Illustrating that their roles are as diverse as non-farm women, four short articles give new perspectives on farm women: the numbers and types of farms run by women, an historical review of women on the farm, the non-farm jobs many work at, and the specific farm activities they are responsible for. (NEC)

Examines relations between the state and rural systems worldwide. Notes growing international concern for declining environmental quality, implying new imperatives for international cooperation. Relates these trends to state intervention's changing nature and alternative governance systems, political economy theory respecting family farms and…

Outlines four traditional arguments for rural America, and critiques foundations of each argument, emphasizing different elements at risk. Expresses skepticism for synthesis of approaches given framework of original question. Suggests question of preserving rural America might be misplaced concern for rural social scientists. (TES)