The Role of Rural Sociology in a Changing Society.

The article discusses the implications of current social changes in rural sociology and its role in a society. It mentions some of the achievements to indicate the growth of rural sociology in the U.S. in 20th century. In 1921, a section on rural sociology was established within the American Sociological Society. An institutional structure for the support of rural sociology has been developed and it is getting financial support also. Books on rural sociology, being used at college level, are increasing in numbers. Some of the developments in the United States are being experimented in other countries also. Rural Sociology is going through some changes as growth of rural nonfarm population, adjustments in educational systems, high involvement of the United States internationally and changes creating an image of the declining importance of agriculture and rural life. These changes have some implications for rural sociology. The first implication is that rural sociology should be concerned not only with farm people and agriculture but with the problems of small community. Research and extension must be more closely wedded. Students must be appreciated to take interest in rural sociology.