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General Social Survey data (1985) indicate that nonmetropolitan social networks were smaller and denser than urban networks; contained larger proportions of long-term ties, ties to kin and neighbors, and ties involving multiple roles; but were not more homogeneous, except with regard to religion. Data from southwestern Louisiana, however, demonstrate the diversity of rural social networks. Contains 68 references. (SV)

Study in three small Louisiana towns introduced operational refinements to a systemic model of individual attachment to community in which length of residence, social position, life cycle stage, and local economic conditions influence social networks, participation in school and community groups, and community satisfaction. Discusses implications of such studies for attempts to revitalize rural communities. Contains 40 references. (Author/SV)