Rural Communities: Legacy and Change

by Cornelia Butler Flora, Jan L. Flora

  Rural Communities: Legacy and Change examines the diversity of rural America: its unique communities, histories, and social issues. It also considers how rural communities use their increasing connectedness to creatively address modern challenges in the face of increasing globalization and climate change. Focusing on various capitals in rural areas—natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built—this book provides students with an essential framework for understanding rural society based on the concepts of social science. The fourth edition of Rural Communities covers vital issues such as: racial and cultural diversity in rural areas; globalization and increasing tensions over international immigration; the impact of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; the central role of communities in organizing a sustainable future; and building community in the context of ubiquitous change. Chapter opening vignettes present real people and communities, illustrating the application of concepts. Updated with 2010 Census data, the fourth edition features new coverage of local food movements, climate change, the impacts of the global financial crisis, and updates on immigration as it relates to rural societies.

Genres: Social Science, School

416 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 1992

Reviews

[Chris Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and found it incredibly informative. I started it out of an interest in rural america and found it to be an indepth study of the diversity and adversity of rural american communities. It also gave a broad and thorough analysis of city governance and its relation to state and federal government. In general I also found it to be remarkably non-partisan in its take, I wouldn't say completely (particularly in the final section of the book, which I found to be less well written overall) but pretty well considering it is covering inherently political material.
It is written in a very accessible way and presented with great organizational structure, also full of great graphs and info.
Would highly recommend for anyone interested in civics, governance, contemporary issues in rural america and the USA and World at large.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll never teach rural politics without this textbook again. Only issue is that the promised PBS videos are not accessible and students have commented they would like access to those.

[Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was required reading for a class.

The book is well written, as a peer reviewed research book should be. It is geared toward those interested in the social sciences rather than those interested in rural communities as history or narrative. The Flora's are well written authors in social science research circles and, as the creator or the "community capitals concept," this book is a good introduction to its use.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, required reading. This book is easier to read about rural communities, brings out some interesting points. I would never pick up this book just to read it though. Well, maybe if I got really, really bored. Meh.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a U.S.-centric book, there is a strong attention to the diversity of ruralities. Specifically an array of case studies and strategies are explore that investigate rural poverty.