Pedagogy of the Rural is an approach to capture the complexities of rural space and place by challenging simple understandings of what it means to be a teacher in rural settings. Using Harré's positioning theory, Baudrillard's concepts of simulation and simulacra, and Lefebvre's space and economic geographies to form a composite theory through…

Discusses sociological dynamics associated with rural United States, how these dynamics relate to the role of the rural school counselor, and what implications these have for counselor education programs. Discusses issues of isolation, time and money, visibility, lack of specialists, personal interaction, generalists, and local culture. (Author/NB)

This collection of 76 award-winning films and videos shows people from the southern Appalachian mountains pursuing the chance to work, to live in health and peace, to share their lives with loved ones, and to create and sustain that which is beautiful. Item categories are: 1992 releases; environmental issues; women's stories; cultural identity;…

Within the United States there are minority groups whose beliefs, values, and customs differ from most citizens. Individuals living in Mennonite and Hutterite communities are members of such minority groups. The unique qualities of Mennonite and Hutterite communities present an opportunity for students to see U.S. society from a different vantage.…

Uses data from a national survey to investigate how the Church of England voluntary schools influenced village church life in 1637 English and Welsh communities with populations ranging from 250 to 1,250 inhabitants. Results indicated that church school influence increased (1) church attendance of six- to nine-year-old children and adults; (2)…

Written by some of the foremost experts on rural America, this book focuses on policy-relevant research on the problems of rural areas. In each chapter, rural policy needs are identified by examining the flow of events and rural sociology of the 1980s. Chapters are: (1) "Critical Times for Rural America: The Challenge for Rural Policy in the…

A 1958 New York community study dramatized the thesis that macro forces (urbanization, industrialization, bureaucratization) have undermined all small communities' autonomy. Such "oppositional case studies" succeed when they render the dominant view immediately obsolete, have plausible origins, are testable, and generate new research.…

Examines the condition of human resources in the rural South, particularly educational attainment, outmigration, illiteracy, and quality of rural schools. Discusses strategies for the development of human resources in the 1990s involving local, state, and federal governments and the role of rural sociologists. Contains 40 references. (Author/SV)

A survey of 1,105 Ontario farmers examined perceived quality of life as a function of social class, sex, age, education, income, and off-farm employment. Most farmers, especially highly educated and wealthy ones, felt their quality of life was high, but also believed they had been adversely affected by recent rural social change. (LP)

This collection of essays offers a picture of rural education in the American South in 1930. It opens with demographic data describing child-labor practices as a barrier to education. The following topics are discussed: (1) the achievements of Southern educators in the areas of school consolidation, funding, literacy, and black education; (2) ways…

This report examines rural practice in adult literacy programs and estimates the extent and nature of rural illiteracy. Surveys were sent to 3,287 rural literacy programs; more than 700 program directors responded for a return rate of 22 percent. In addition, 150 program directors and key state literacy contacts were interviewed by telephone.…

This publication provides a variety of information on prevention and intervention programs for rural and urban children and adolescents. Drawing from a rural sociological perspective, the introductory paper defines "rural," discusses rural-urban economic and social differences, and lists indicators of risk for rural youth. It discusses the extent…

Rural school consolidation in Iowa in the early 20th century was not simply an attempt at educational reform, but was also an attempt to transform the rural social geography of the region. Since consolidation of corporate power had resulted in economic progress in the cities, it was thought that re-centering rural life around country towns could…

This brief address was given by a Australian dairy farmer, who served as a parent representative on a committee of teachers at a local school. The speaker draws his observations from his experience "bridging the gap" between teachers' understanding of school operations and the views of rural parents. Rural values, or "peasant…

This ERIC Digest reviews past and present rural educational philosophy, focusing on the views of Wendell Berry, a Kentucky farmer and novelist who in recent years has emerged as a leading American philosopher. The major difference underlying rural and urban living is the relationship of people with nature. Rural living is much more closely related…