This book provides an overview of existing human resource conditions in rural America; examines key economic, social, and technological forces shaping the future viability of rural areas; describes human capital issues for rural women and minority groups; and outlines strategies to strengthen rural human capital resources. Chapters are: (1) "Human Capital in Rural America: A Review of Theoretical Perspectives" (Lionel J. Beaulieu, David Mulkey); (2) "Current Status of Human Capital in the Rural U.S." (Molly Sizer Killian, Lionel J. Beaulieu); (3) "Economic Forces Shaping the Future of Rural America" (Glen C. Pulver); (4) "Social Forces Shaping the Future of Rural Areas" (Kenneth P. Wilkinson); (5) "Paradigm Gridlock and the Two Faces of Technology" (Drew Hyman, Larry Gamm, John Shingler); (6) "Human Capital and Nonmetropolitan Poverty" (Leif Jensen, Diane K. McLaughlin); (7) "The Educational Attainments of American Indians" (C. Matthew Snipp); (8) "Down and Out in Rural America: The Status of Blacks and Hispanics in the 1980s" (Thomas A. Lyson); (9) "Gender Differences in Human Capital in Rural America" (Jill L. Findeis); (10) "Adapting to Economic Change: The Case of Displaced Workers" (Paul Swaim); (11) "Migration and the Loss of Human Resources in Rural America" (Daniel T. Lichter, Diane K. McLaughlin, Gretchen T. Cornwell); (12) "Capacity Building: Reexamining the Role of the Rural School" (Daryl Hobbs); (13) "The Influence of Health and Health Care on Rural Economic Development" (W. Bruce Vogel, Raymond T. Coward); (14) "Family and Household Effects on the Educational Attainment of Young Adults" (DeeAnn Wenk, Constance L. Hardesty); (15) "The Labor Market and Human Capital Investment" (Judith I. Stallmann, Ari Mwachofi, Jan L. Flora, Thomas G. Johnson); (16) "Community Agency and Disaffection: Enhancing Collective Resources" (A. E. Luloff, L. E. Swanson); and (17) "Human Capital As a Rural Development Strategy: Promise or False Hope?" (David Mulkey, Lionel J. Beaulieu). This book contains an index and many references. (SV)