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EnglishWhat Resources and Activities Does the Rural Sociological Society Offer?
Updated
The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) offers four core resources and activities: a peer-reviewed journal (Rural Sociology), an annual conference, research and interest groups (RIGs), and policy engagement and advocacy. These are open to a mix of researchers, practitioners, extension experts, students, and advocates. If you want to know what the organization actually does — rather than just its mission — this is the practical list.
The four core activities
1. Peer-reviewed journal: Rural Sociology
RSS publishes Rural Sociology, described on its site as "the leading research journal advancing rural studies." This is the society's main channel for disseminating social scientific knowledge, and it is peer-reviewed.
- What it is for: Reading and citing current rural social science research; publishing your own work.
- Who it suits: Academics, graduate students, and practitioners who need research-backed evidence on rural issues.
- How to engage: The site links directly to the journal ("View Journal").
2. Annual conference
RSS holds a yearly gathering that the site frames as a chance to "connect, share, and collaborate" with other rural scholars.
- What it is for: Presenting research, meeting collaborators, and staying current on the field.
- Who it suits: Anyone who benefits from in-person scholarly exchange — faculty, students, extension staff, and advocates.
- How to engage: The site provides a dedicated conference page ("Learn About the Conference").
3. Research and Interest Groups (RIGs)
RIGs are "focused communities tackling a wide range of rural issues." They are organized around specific rural topics, so members can go deeper than a general membership allows.
- What it is for: Concentrated discussion and collaboration on a particular rural subject.
- Who it suits: Members with a defined research or practice interest who want a smaller, topic-specific community.
- How to engage: The site links to an RIGs overview page ("Explore RIGs").
4. Policy engagement and advocacy
RSS states that through its activities it provides "leadership in scholarship, informing policies, and advocacy for rural people and places." Policy engagement is listed as one of the ways members contribute to advancing rural sociology.
- What it is for: Connecting research to policy conversations and advocacy for rural communities.
- Who it suits: Members who want their scholarship or practice to inform policy.
- How to engage: This runs through membership and the society's broader activities rather than a standalone public tool.
Quick comparison
| Activity | Format | Best for | Entry point on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Sociology journal | Peer-reviewed publication | Reading or publishing research | "View Journal" |
| Annual conference | Yearly in-person gathering | Presenting, networking, collaborating | "Learn About the Conference" |
| Research & Interest Groups | Topic-focused communities | Deep, specific subject engagement | "Explore RIGs" |
| Policy engagement | Advocacy and policy work | Connecting research to policy | Via membership |
Who these resources are for
RSS brings together "researchers, practitioners, extension experts, students, and advocates." The site notes that joining gives you access to a "long-standing tradition of inquiry and action," with members contributing through the journal, conferences, RIGs, and policy engagement. So the resources above are not limited to academics — the society explicitly includes practitioners and students.
What the site does not specify
The available page content does not state membership fees, journal subscription pricing, conference registration costs, or whether any of these resources are free to access without joining. If cost or access terms matter to your decision, check the journal, conference, and membership pages directly rather than assuming open access.