Rural Sociological Society

THE RURAL Sociological Society (RSS) describes itself as “a professional social science organization that promotes the generation, application and dissemination of sociological knowledge. The society seeks to enhance the quality of rural life, communities, and the environment.” It was founded in 1937 and has achieved prominence in it s field as a provider of research and re-search-based policy on issues related to rural life and rural poverty.

In support of its objectives, the RSS supports a number of research and interest groups, as well as advisory committees. Research interests include rural gender and ethnic minority issues, health and poverty, agriculture, and other industries. Various interest groups relating to these issues serve to bring together researchers and other interested people to help formulate and provide advocacy for policy. Much of the research is published by the society through the peer-reviewed journal Rural Sociology, which has since 1937 provided a forum for up-to-date research and policy formulation from a variety of multidisciplinary standpoints.

The Rural Sociologist, another publication, is a quarterly containing letters, announcements, and articles of general interest to its audience. Research of a more extensive nature may be published in book form through the Rural Studies series organized through the Penn State University Press. The society's annual meeting offers an opportunity for concerned people to share the latest research findings, to network, and to exchange information on emergent themes and opportunities.

Rural sociology focuses on rural issues and topics, including communities, agriculture, social equity, youth and families, natural resources and the environment, and food systems. It also focuses on applications of sociology, such as research-based information for deci-sion-makers, sociological theory to explain social phenomena, and models of social action. It also pays attention to international dimensions of rural life, such as global environmental systems, international development, natural resources, and food systems.

In general, rural society is characterized by working in agriculture, high birthrates, isolation, and migration to urban centers for better social and economic opportunities. The digital divide, which separates learning and income opportunities into those with and those without access to information technology such as the internet, is intensifying gaps between many urban and rural locations. These problems are frequently exacerbated for those who are vulnerable in society or suffer from discrimination.