Reviews economic turmoil experienced by farmers in late 19th and early 20th centuries along with resulting political protest and activism. Considers response from rural social workers at the time. Presents recommendations for rural social work today. Includes micro/macro action-agenda for social work in dealing with farm crisis of 1980s. (NEC)

Discusses socio-psychological effect of farm foreclosures and decline of agriculturally-related businesses in the midwest/plains states. Suggests that models for understanding human response to natural disasters are applicable to this crisis. Challenges the myth that rural people and communities bond together under stress and offers suggestions to…