Justifiably concerned about power dynamics between researchers and participants in participatory research, much of the literature proposes guidelines for including participant voices at every step of the research process. We find these guidelines insufficient for dealing with constraints set up by the social organizational structures in which…

It is well known that to a large extent, it is the young people of today who will determine the intellectual, economic, cultural, and spiritual face of rural Russia in the twenty-first century. Unless young people take part in the modernization of the economy and in its social development, the Russian countryside will not have a future. Among…

Supports several of Frances Hill's positions on research about farm women (RC 504 387). States that regarding farm and family as separate dynamic systems whose integration varies in differing situations provides a context for evaluating impacts on farm and family. Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of…

Lists some of the most common questions extension field staff ask when working with distressed farm families. (JOW)

The author presents a case for the combined use of people-centered development and participatory research as a tool for maximizing local human resources to deal with local concerns. In building his case, Brown defines participatory research as a legitimate form of inquiry, drawing some distinctions between it and more traditional forms of…

Suggests additions to a conceptual framework for researching farm women combining family, labor/work, economics, politics, education, and technology cited in Frances Hill's "Farm Women: Challenge to Scholarship" (RC 504 387). Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916. (NEC)

Researchers studying farm women must ask if successful integration of family and farm systems in the late 20th century involves feminism and, if so, what form of feminism. Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916. (NEC)

This paper examines non-human loss and its psychological effect upon rural people. It discusses the absence of any ritual response to loss, including farm loss, that would otherwise benefit the loss victims or the surrounding society. The dilemma is comparable to that of the "transitional person," the immigrant experience following World…

Suggests research agenda to analyze the class struggle occurring with farm women. Views the household as the unit of analysis, both internally from a farming-systems perspective and externally as responding to shifts in policy and technology. Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37916.…

Ina May Gaskin, a traditional midwife and founder of The Farm Midwifery Center in Summertown, Tennessee, discusses how she first became involved in midwifery, where she learned her skills, the status of midwifery, and her future plans. Ms. Gaskin has been instrumental in the revolution of birth practices worldwide. (LP)

Small farmers are a diverse group, ranging from part-time hobbyists with good off-farm jobs to full-time operators. General rural development policies, rather than traditional farm policies, may be the best method to help those small farmers who earn insufficient income. (JHZ)

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)

Stress factors inherent in the institution of the farm family are examined. The current economic crisis is considered, with emphasis on those stressors that affect family relationships. Recommendations are proposed for the human service worker in rural communities. (Author/CH)

The work of 17 major photographers who documented farm life in America during the 1940s is being presented in an exhibition entitled "Roy Stryker: U.S.A., 1943-1950." Launched at the International Center of Photography, New York, in May 1983, the exhibition will be touring nationally through 1985. Sample photographs are included. (RM)

The purpose of this paper is to determine major characteristics of selected part-time farmers and determine factors affecting off-farm supply of labor by farm operators. Part-time farmers were found to be relatively younger, more educated and to have a higher total family income, operating smaller-sized farms as compared to full-time farmers.…