CHARTING TRENDS IN RURAL-SOCIOLOGY - 1986-1995

Christenson and Garkovich (1985) reported on trends in the first 50 ye ars of Rural Sociology; this note employs a similar analytic frame-wor k for the 292 articles and research commentaries published from 1986 t o 1995. While particular topics ebb and flow in terms of their importa nce, there continues to be a consistent focus on the substantive issue s of traditional concern. Predictions in 1985 as to what the next retr ospective would show proved to be fairly accurate. Applied empirical a nd quantitative studies continue to dominate the pages of the journal, but other types (e.g., qualitative and historical studies) now appear with greater frequency. The theoretical foundation of rural sociology has been enriched with conceptual frameworks from general sociology a nd other social sciences. New twists on the traditional concerns of ag ricultural constituencies and rural community leaders have broadened t he range of topics addressed, reflecting the major social structures, processes, and issues currently affecting rural peoples and communitie s. The article concludes with an interpretation of recent trends and s peculations on future directions.