简体中文
EnglishWhat is the Rural Sociological Society website?
Updated
ruralsociology.org is the official website of the Rural Sociological Society (RSS), a professional association founded in 1937 that promotes the generation, application, and dissemination of social scientific knowledge about rural life. The site is aimed at researchers, practitioners, extension experts, students, and advocates who want to understand and support rural communities. If you are looking for the Society's peer-reviewed journal, its annual conference, or its research and interest groups, this is the organization's central online hub.
What the organization is
The RSS describes itself as a professional association with a mission to enhance the quality of rural life, communities, and the environment, both in North America and elsewhere in the world. Its stated focus areas include:
- Rural lives and livelihoods
- Demography
- Community structures and economies
- Technologies
- Environmental conditions
- Agriculture and food systems
The Society says it brings together researchers, practitioners, extension experts, students, and advocates, and grounds its work in values of rigorous scholarship, free inquiry, civil discourse, and social inclusion.
What the website covers
The site organizes the Society's work into a few core areas:
| Area | What it is |
|---|---|
| Journal: Rural Sociology | The Society's peer-reviewed research journal advancing rural studies |
| Annual Conference | A yearly gathering for rural scholars to connect, share, and collaborate |
| Research & Interest Groups (RIGs) | Focused communities tackling specific rural issues |
| Membership | Opportunities to join and participate in the Society's activities |
The site also features a "Members in the News" section and describes the Society's role in informing policy and advocating for rural people and places.
Who it is for
The website is relevant if you:
- Conduct or follow social science research on rural issues
- Work in extension, policy, or community advocacy
- Are a student looking for a scholarly community in rural studies
- Want access to the Rural Sociology journal or the annual conference
Practical starting points
If you are new to the site, the most useful entry points are the journal page (for current research), the conference page (for events and networking), and the RIGs page (for topic-specific communities). Membership information explains how to join and what participation involves.
Note that the available site information does not list pricing, membership fees, or login requirements, so check the membership page directly for current details.