This review of the literature on recreation for the rural elderly is organized into seven sections. The first section is a brief overview of the values and socio-economic characteristics of the rural elderly. In the next section, studies on the leisure interests and the recreation participation patterns of the rural elderly are presented. The…

Labor force participation of nonmetropolitan women rose in the 1970's but not in a consistent pattern. Their labor force participation rose 4.5% between 1973 and 1978, when they comprised 41% of the total nonmetropolitan labor force. Although women accounted for 89% of nonmetropolitan employment growth in the 1960's and 58% in the 1970's, their…

POPULATION SHIFTS AND GROWTH, COUPLED WITH AN INCREASINGLY INDUSTRIALIZED SOCIETY, HAVE PRODUCED DRAMATIC CHANGES IN RURAL SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN RURAL AMERICAN AND OTHER RURAL SOCIETIES IS PRESENTED IN THIS BOOK, WITH MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS OF TRENDS IN SOCIETY,…

On June 19, 1972, the subcommittee heard testimony on land-grant colleges and their role in rural America. The hearing's purpose was to determine whether this system of education, research, and extension is working for or against the cause--livable communities in rural America. Among the candid questions asked about the land-grant college system…

Dichotomous poverty is defined by taking an arbitrary standard of consumption capability as a dividing line between rich and poor. An investigation into dichotomous poverty below the 2000 dollar level will be worthwhile, since, in 1953, the Planning Board announced as a goal the attempt to lift all families above this margin. In 1953, 78 percent…

Appalachia has a long history of isolation, poverty and exploitation by outsiders, but many of the region's problems may be wholly or partly solvable through improved communications in such areas as health services, education, and training. The existing facilities for cable television in the area, its potential for use in the needed public…

Analyzes North Dakota and Texas farm families likely to be forced out of business and examines personal resources--employment experience and education--that will help them move to nonfarm life. Notes that when farm families leave the community, the declining tax base may mean trouble financing public services for those who remain. (JHZ)

Describes West Virginia's Community Work Experience Program, a work requirement program for public assistance recipients. Examines issues workfare raised in a rural context, explains why West Virginia avoided the controversy usually associated with such programs, and notes benefits including improved images for welfare workers, recipients, and…

Reviews historical patterns in the employment of rural women and explains the policy implications of their unique labor market experiences. Analyzes current differences between rural and urban female employment, emphasizing the narrow range of occupations open to rural women and their resulting employment deprivation and vulnerability to poverty.…

The decline of agriculture in the 1920s and 1930s was compounded by the subsequent collapse of the rural social community, leaving the rural poor without a community and thus exacerbating and prolonging their poverty. Present restructuring of agriculture in the United States may have a similar impact on rural communities. (JHZ)

Rural southern Georgia's economic growth in 1976-81 improved employment and income for Whites but had little effect on Blacks. The percentage of employed Blacks declined, their weeks of work per year dropped, and most remained in low-skill, low-wage occupations. Blacks had lower levels of experience, training, and schooling than Whites. (JHZ)

Raises questions about current rural sociology from a critical theory perspective. Provides a brief historical analysis of its theoretical and applied roots. Suggests interweaving of research, practice, and advocacy as way to bring rural sociologists back into policy making. (LFL)

The importance of rural areas in Finland is discussed. Padasjoki is used as an example of the problems of a small rural town and the solutions: creation of jobs and changes in land and housing policies. The Padasjoki model in theory and practice is examined. (CT)

If small businesses are the engines of our economy, then entrepreneurs are the sparks that ignite those engines. This research report will explain how entrepreneurship education programs can help students create and establish their own business. The paper defines entrepreneurship education, outlines the major components of entrepreneurship…

Graphs, data tables, maps, and written descriptions give a statistical overview of rural Pennsylvania. A section on rural demographics covers population changes, racial and ethnic makeup, age cohorts, and families and income. Pennsylvania's rural population, the nation's largest, has increased more than its urban population since 1950, with the…