Research Handbook of Rural Sociology

This in-depth Research Handbook explores the primary topics, issues and controversies in rural sociology. Highlighting cutting-edge empirical findings, contributing authors analyse the social changes experienced by rural communities.Reviewing traditional and emerging research, leading experts examine key topics including rural demography, agriculture, institutions and inequalities as well as major problems such as climate change and post-colonial development. Chapters consider the history of rural sociology and how this is defined, and investigate emerging issues such as power and control in food systems and the challenges to stability. Employing case studies from global locales, the Research Handbook outlines strategies for brighter futures for rural societies and develops a vision of the discipline's possible trajectories.Providing an authoritative guide to the field, the Research Handbook is an essential resource for scholars and students of sociology and rural sociology, especially those interested in demography, geography, political science and agricultural economics. It also contains valuable insights for policymakers and analysts, and professionals working at the intersection of rural and urban affairs.