Rural Geographies: People, Place and the Countryside

This book provides an up-to-date understanding of rural areas, drawing from human geography and the social sciences to address rural issues such as performativity and resilience. It has a more international outlook than its key competitor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The field of rural studies encompasses a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of rural areas, delving into both theoretical and applied dimensions. It strives to unravel the complex interrelationships between rural spaces and their inhabitants, exploring how these interconnections manifest through a range of issue-based topics. By staying abreast of the latest developments in theory and practice, this field emerges as a leading competitor, with a significant advantage of being just 15 years old.

One of the key strengths of rural studies is its ability to draw upon concepts and approaches from across human geography and the social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach enables researchers to integrate a wide range of perspectives and methodologies, fostering a deeper understanding of rural phenomena. For instance, the concept of performativity, which originated in the field of cultural studies, is applied in rural studies to examine how social and economic practices shape rural identities and communities. Similarly, resilience, a concept rooted in the social sciences, is used to analyze how rural populations respond to challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

Another notable aspect of rural studies is its international outlook. Unlike some of its key competitors, rural studies takes a global perspective, recognizing the diverse and complex nature of rural landscapes across different regions of the world. This internationalization allows researchers to compare and contrast rural practices, policies, and experiences, shedding light on the broader global trends and challenges facing rural communities.

In conclusion, rural studies is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that offers a rich understanding of rural areas and their interconnections with society. By integrating concepts and approaches from diverse disciplines, rural studies provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing and addressing rural issues. With its up-to-date theoretical and applied perspectives, interdisciplinary nature, and international outlook, rural studies is well-positioned to contribute to the ongoing discourse on rural development and transformation.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138327955