Claiming Rural Identities: Dynamics, Contexts, Policies

Traditionally policies for the development of rural areas have focused on catching up with core areas. More recently, however, identity has become a focal point in rural planning. The increasing attention for local identity conflicts with the overwhelming power of globalization and standardization. In this context, the book examines the identity of rural areas. It makes clear that a rural identity is not a natural or objective fact, but is ascribed by actors who have different interests in the development of an area. This implies the existence of multiple identities. Furthermore, identities are contested, and revolve around the question of which purpose and on the basis of which authority. The book states that identity construction is not static, but a dynamic process embedded in wider socioeconomic processes. Identity and policy share a two-way policies based on identity actually shape the identity at the same time.