Reinventing Rural: New Realities in an Urbanizing World (Studies in Urban?Rural Dynamics)

Reinventing Rural is a collection of original research papers that examine the ways in which rural people and places are changing in the context of an urbanizing world. This includes exploring the role of the environment, the economy, and related issues such as tourism. While traditionally relying on primary sector work in agriculture, mining, natural resources, and the like, rural areas are finding new ways to sustain themselves. This involves a new emphasis on environmental protection, as one important strategy has been to capitalize on natural amenities to attract residents and tourists. Beyond improvements to the economy are general improvements to the quality-of-life in rural communities. Consistent with this, the volume focuses on the two cornerstones of education and health, considering current challenges and offering ideas for reinventing rural quality-of-life.

Gregory M. Fulkerson, Ph.D., is professor of sociology and chair of geography and environmental sustainability at SUNY Oneonta. Along with Dr. Alex Thomas, he is co-editor of the Urban-Rural Dynamics book series. He is the author of Community in Urban-Rural Systems, and co-author of City and Country, Urbanormativity, and Critical Rural Theory. His research focuses on social capital, community development, globalization, the environment, and urban-rural issues.

Alexander R. Thomas, Ph.D., is professor of sociology at SUNY Oneonta. He is co-editor, with Dr. Gregory Fulkerson, of the Urban-Rural Dynamics book series. He has published numerous books and articles on cities and their relationship with the countryside, including In Gotham's Shadow, The Evolution of the Ancient City, and Critical Rural Theory. He is also author of the newly released book The Sociological Predicament.