Rural Policy Research and Interest Group Linking research to rural governance and public decision-making
What We’re About
The Rural Policy Research and Interest Group is dedicated to advancing knowledge, advocacy, and solutions that enhance the social, economic, political and environmental well-being of rural people and communities. We are an interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, policy analysts, and advocates from both academic and applied settings.
RIG members seek to examine and inform rural policy development that promotes sustainable growth, equitable access to resources, and resilience in rural regions. Our mission is to empower rural populations and address critical policy challenges to shape a brighter future for rural people and places.
Some common areas of focus in our RIG include:
- Influence, effect and change of local, state or federal governance on rural communities
- Economic and social policy [e.g., business, healthcare, education, food, inequality]
- Urban and rural development planning [e.g., housing, transportation, jobs and reemployment programs, social services]
- Energy and climate policy [e.g., coal, fracking, carbon, green energy, pollution]
- Agricultural and natural resource management policy [e.g., farm bills, farmer support programs, conservation programs, water, forestry, land/property rights]
- And more!
Not sure if Rural Policy is the right fit for you? Email our current RIG leadership to learn more!
Annual Dues:
Regular Members – $10
Student Members – $5
Get Involved:
Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting
Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities
Contact our leadership team to get connected
What We Do and How to Get Involved
The Rural Policy RIG encourages scholarship and engagement that inform and influence rural policy. We:
Organize conference sessions on timely topics such as rural policy design, implementation challenges, intergovernmental relations, and community impacts.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among rural sociologists, political scientists, economists, planners, and practitioners.
Provide space for analyzing the intersection of research and policy across local, regional, national, and international scales.
Welcome students, early-career scholars, and policy professionals seeking to engage with rural policy research and practice.
To get involved, join the RIG when you renew or start your RSS membership. Attend our sessions and business meeting at the RSS Annual Meeting, submit policy-relevant research for presentation, or volunteer to help lead new initiatives. We welcome everyone interested in building a stronger bridge between rural sociology and public policy.
