REGULATION THEORY AND RURAL RESEARCH - THEORIZING CONTEMPORARY RURAL CHANGE

In this paper we have tried to develop a theoretical and conceptual fr amework for analysing contemporary rural change. Initial results from a recent research project on changing lifestyles in rural Wales are us ed to investigate the potential contribution of regulation theory in r ural research. The paper consists of four main sections. In the first and second sections, the main theoretical characteristics presented by a regulationist analysis of contemporary capitalist change are discus sed in detail, stressing that regulation is a continuous but highly va riable process. In the third section, some key findings from recent wo rk on rural Wales - which highlights the cultural, social, and economi c elements of change - are presented. In the fourth and concluding sec tion we discuss the potential contribution which regulation theory mig ht make to rural research, but in addition outline the ways in which a n analysis of contemporary rural change might contribute to the contin uing development of regulation theory. In particular, attention is dra wn to several key issues which a regulationist account of rural change will have to consider.