This article examines the context of growing up in rural America and how rural roots shape life chances. The distinctive physical, social, and cultural attributes of rural areas can exacerbate many of the challenges of childhood poverty. Yet rural children have better access to public childcare services and perform as well as urban children on…

Partnerships between the USDA and rural colleges are one approach that allows individual students and regional economies to fulfill their potential. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a decision to be involved with rural community colleges, which has really made a difference on what is happening on campus. Through a dizzying array…

Examines women's place in academic sociology, describing situations ostensibly structured to provide equal opportunities, but function to penalize female players. Discusses mentoring, role models, career and family responsibilities, tenure, promotion, dual academic career families, and research issues. Concludes there are still many barriers…

Presents salary data for rural sociologists employed in U.S. colleges and universities as full professors, associate professors, and assistant professors. Reports maximum, minimum, and mean salaries by region and year from 1986-87 to 1988-89. (SV)

Discusses an undergraduate class' study of rural Clarion, Pennsylvania's linkages with the global community. Describes data collection methods. Reveals some indicators of the town's interdependence with the rest of the world. Lists questions for students concerning Clarion's global connections. Identifies possible interpretive topics that such…

A 1998 membership survey returned by 354 members of the Rural Sociological Society examined member characteristics, members in academic settings, current and future views of the society, the society's role as advocate for rural America, and work-related issues. Results indicate that age and membership have remained stable, diversity has increased,…

Describes Rural Sociological Society 1999 awards: Excellence in Instruction, Jill Belsky, for designing a college program in rural and environmental change, and Lori Cramer, for strengthening interdisciplinary linkages among rural sociology, forestry, and agriculture; Excellence in Extension, Emmett Fiske; Excellence in Research, Sonya Salamon;…

Notes changes in the social contract between society and land grant universities and resulting implications for rural sociology's research, teaching, and extension agenda. Traces the legislative, academic, and social contexts of these changes. Suggests new organizational and networking strategies for rural sociology that will foster new…

Reviews the (largely British) literature on lay discourses of the rural--people's everyday interpretations of rural places and ideas of the rural. Suggests that lay discourses of the rural are complex and incoherent to an extent that makes it difficult to incorporate them into established academic rural studies. Partly supports the concept of the…

Discusses the following alternatives for the colleges of agriculture: (1) continue the status quo; (2) specialize to serve the needs of a group not currently served by traditional colleges of agriculture; or (3) reduce the dependence on traditional clientele groups through more funding with grants from industries or governmental sources. Provides…

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;…

This directory is a compendium of over 600 scholars and educators in a range of disciplines throughout the United States who are actively involved in research or teaching of rural issues. It is intended as a resource for those individuals and for other professionals, providing access to one another and aiding a multi-disciplinary approach to rural…

Observes lower numbers of ethnic and cultural studies, despite growing need. Argues for appropriate, affirmative action to increase number of rural sociological studies. Sees "ray of hope" in 1990 meeting of Rural Sociological Society. Suggests more training, scholarships, monographs, research, and fellowships for researchers interested…

Discusses trends in higher education and related public policy that have implications for scholars, faculty, and researchers in the field of rural sociology. Discusses characteristics of the rural South and the role of rural sociology in addressing the needs of an undereducated, disadvantaged region. Outlines challenges that the field must meet to…

Rural America struggles as a socioeconomic entity. While the community college has been an essential response to some of the needs of rural American higher education, the community college mission is not comprehensive enough to provide complete higher education needs. Four-year degree options are necessary for rural America to progress in economic…