Mettler and Brown cite research by RSS member Jennifer Sherman, a sociologist at Washington State University, to describe the agonized struggle of the rural poor who, when faced with a major economic setback, are forced to turn to government for help: When they themselves need to use such benefit, they experience a deep sense of stigma and shame. They drove to stores far away to use SNAP benefits, hoping to avoid the gaze of their neighbors and community members.
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A new book which provides a comprehensive overview of the main obstacles and challenges women smallholders face has just been published.
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RSS membersAlex Theophilus and Jessica Ulrich-Schad of Utah State University recently published research on the perceived impacts of short-term rentals in high amenity rural communities.
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The Case for Rural America - A new book in the Rural Studies Series
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The Guardian recently published a story about the closure of a rural hospital in northern California. Many others are likely to follow across the nation, as federal funding streams dry up.
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When enrollments decline, school boards often shutter schools, but this rarely saves money and always hurts kids and communities.
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As the USDA rolls back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, RSS Members Michaela Hoffelmeyer and Ike Leslie are sounding the alarm on the long-term consequences for agriculture and food security.
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Ethnographer Sonya Salamon, past president of the Rural Sociological Society, died on August 16, 2025, at the age of eighty-four.
On the NREA podcast, Dr. Casey Jakubowski discussed teacher retention, community-based practice, and ways rural schools can better support new educators.
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Call for Working Groups for the XVI World Congress of Rural Sociology
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