Rural Sociology is the term applied to sociological studies focusing on people in rural areas, and the conditions in which they live and work. It is by nature interdisciplinary, closely related to such fields of environmental sociology, agricultural economics, and demographic studies, and other branches of the social sciences which consider cultural exchange and societal development in the context of rural communities.
Conducts policy-relevant research and facilitates public dialogue to assist policymakers in understanding the rural impacts of public policies and programs. http://www.rupri.org/
A University of Vermont-affiliated research organization which addresses social, economic, and resource-based problems of rural people and communities. Site offers indicators and other research data, guides and training materials, recent surveys, and link http://crs.uvm.edu/
Resources on rural social issues, change, community development, and allied topics maintained by Charles Sturt University, Australia. Also provides info on the center, publications, conferences, and research activities. http://www.csu.edu.au/research/crsr/
Info on the projects and people of this University of Montana center which researches human development, community services, and education of people with disabilities in rural areas. http://ruralinstitute.umt.edu/
RDI at Iowa State University provides the basis for policy decisions to stimulate rural development and economic growth through data sets, surveys, and research reports. http://www.soc.iastate.edu/rdiweb/
Official journal of the Southern Rural Sociological Association. Peer-reviewed, annual. Tables of content available on-line. http://www.ag.auburn.edu/srs/journal/
Promotes opportunity for independent farmers and rural communities through education, research, advocacy, and service. http://www.instituteruralamerica.org/
