ERIC Number: EJ806531
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Mar
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-0112
EISSN: N/A
Rural Sociology at the Crossroads
Krannich, Richard S.
Rural Sociology, v73 n1 p1-21 Mar 2008
A complex array of socio-historical, demographic, and organizational factors have combined in recent years to threaten both the current status of and future prospects for the discipline of rural sociology, and for the Rural Sociological Society (RSS). This paper examines the somewhat problematic recent trajectories of the RSS as a professional organization and of rural sociology more generally and notes a degree of disciplinary and organizational inertia that have limited the pursuit of new directions. It also presents a discussion of selected factors that have contributed to these concerns, including both "external" factors that are largely beyond the organizational reach of RSS and "internal" factors that are more directly linked to organizational characteristics and actions. Drawing upon the distinctions between "red ocean" and "blue ocean" strategies outlined by market strategists Kim and Mauborgne, the discussion then shifts to a focus on action alternatives that, if pursued, could help to create an expanded set of opportunities and a brighter future for rural sociology, and for the Rural Sociological Society. (Contains 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Rural Sociology, Professional Associations, Trend Analysis, Performance Factors, Change Strategies, Organizational Theories, Institutional Mission
Rural Sociological Society. 104 Gentry Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-7040. Tel: 573-882-9065; Fax: 573-882-1473; e-mail: ruralsoc@missouri.edu; Web site: http://www.ruralsociology.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A