Defines rurbanization (change process wherein small communities/rural areas build upon their social/cultural heritages in coping with impacts of rapid growth) and rurban practice. Itemizes skills needed for rurban human service work. Offers simulations to enhance rurban practice skills, incorporating sequential use of experiential learning tools…

Through a review of current research, this article analyzes the dynamic process in which the community and the schools interact during school desegregation. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

Describes institutional overload and cultural clash as principal forms of disturbances which create problems in the areas of education, community solidarity, health care, social welfare, crime and public safety, and other municipal services. Advises rural planners and developers to focus on objective indicators of these areas, for successful…

Describes attitudes and strategies used by two small rural towns to foster economic development and improve local housing, schools, professional facilities, and recreational programs for youth and adults. Emphasizes individual leadership qualities useful in creating a vision for community survival, communicating the vision through town meetings,…

Transformation of Thailand's rural areas from agricultural production to arenas of consumption of a constructed "rural idyll" is illustrated in cases of a hotel with a "working rice farm," and an elite school. The school (and companion resident "village") created an idealized rural past for rich consumers who wanted a…

Describes the development of the Rural Issues Collection by the Central Kansas Library System, which is meant to deal with the problems of rural residents going through transition. The discussion covers the cooperative relationship developed between the library system and the extension service to make residents aware of library resources and…

In a small Illinois town experiencing immigration of working-poor families, the differing notions about respectability of newcomers and the old guard became symbolized by conflict over the appearance and use of private and public property. Concludes that property issues, more than occupation or family background, shape social relations in…

During the 1980s, population increased 42 percent and per capita income doubled in Oconee County (Georgia). Surveys of 52 persons holding 27 county positions in 1981 and 1991 show how local leaders' personal characteristics (including educational attainment), network connections, and views of community problems changed with the changing social…

The success of appeals for increased measures of traffic safety, and how much a community is ready to pay for safety, depend in part on conventional ceilings on risks to life and limb the community is ready to bear. Safety campaigns must appeal both to self-interest and self-esteem. (AF)

This paper outlines challenges for community research endeavors such as avoiding exploitative relationships with research participants. It then outlines 10 values for community research and action, involving establishing collaborative relationships with research participants, determining research goals and methods, designing and disseminating…

Discusses the problems and impact of national trends on small towns and how small towns in eastern Washington have adapted to social and economic change. Illustrates how small towns try to address contemporary concerns such as computerization, the environment, and the expanding needs of their communities while continuing to hold on to their…

Longitudinal studies of three boomtowns and one stable community in Utah and Wyoming found that "neighboring" (neighbors' task support, emotional support, and familiarity) was not affected by rapid economic or population growth, but was related to local sociocultural features--familism, social status, religion, and residential stability.…

Discusses literature on children's community participation and analyzes case studies on children's involvement in neighborhood improvement in Finland, Switzerland, and France. Case-study findings indicate that the creation of child-friendly environments with young people requires a shift toward more ecological and socially supportive settings with…

Changing economic, political, environmental, and social conditions continue to have a cumulative impact on Australian regional communities, and in many instances, rural communities are being forced to initiate their own strategies in order to remain economically and socially viable. However, while communities respond in differing ways to similar…

This article examines an effort to use urban schools to promote the revitalization of a large northeastern city in the United States. In order to attract and retain professional families to a regenerated central city, downtown schools are re-branded and promoted to such families as suitable for their children. The article draws on interviews and…