2024 RSS Presidential Address: Reconceptualizing Rurality and Nurturing Rural Sociological Souls

Now available to read online
This address focuses on the importance of inclusivity and diversity to the future of the Rural Sociological Society. It begins by sharing the author's experiences within the society as a rural-focused scholar trained in a Sociology department without strong ties to the RSS, and the challenges she faced in earning recognition in the RSS. It goes on to explore the development of the RSS and the ways in which this history continues to shape who is and isn’t perceived as a rural sociologist. It then argues that the society should strive to be more inclusive in the ways it conceptualizes both rurality and rural sociology. This inclusivity should be extended to those who care about rural places and populations and treat them with respect, regardless of whether they were trained in historic departments of Rural Sociology. The Society should view multidisciplinarity as a benefit, not a detriment to its long-term health and flourishing. The address ends by calling upon members to engage in the work of nurturing rural sociological souls wherever they are trained and working. It emphasizes the importance of a renewed commitment to diversity and inclusivity in multiple forms.

Rural Sociology

Rural Sociology explores sociological and interdisciplinary approaches to emerging social issues and new approaches to recurring social issues affecting rural people and places. It is the journal of the Rural Sociological Society.

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The Rural Sociological Society (RSS)

The RSS is a professional social science association that promotes the generation, application, and dissemination of sociological knowledge. The Society seeks to enhance the quality of rural life, communities, and the environment. This website is intended to serve all those interested in rural people and places.

We seek and support a diverse and international membership of academics and practitioners who share our interests in rural people and places.

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What We Do

The core activities of the Rural Sociological Society are our peer-reviewed journal, Rural Sociology, our annual conference,  and support for communities of scholars concerned with specific rural topics.  Through these activities, the RSS has provided leadership in scholarship, policies, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1937, the RSS has traced changes in rural life and livelihoods, demography, community structures and economies, technologies, environmental conditions, and agriculture and food systems.

Shared Values at the Rural Sociological Society

In these politically turbulent times, we wish to share with others the core values that we believe animate and organize our activities as members and leaders of the Rural Sociological Society (RSS).  We believe in the free expression of ideas, in civil discourse and mutual respect among participants, and in the value of scientific research without political considerations.  We oppose actions and words that demean, exclude, and otherwise marginalize individuals and groups of different genders, races, identities, sexual orientations, and national origins.  We seek to assist vulnerable and marginalized peoples wherever they may be. 
 

The Benefits of Membership

Why RSS? RSS offers multiple opportunities to interact with others who share your interests in rural places both in the United States and internationally.  We have fourteen Research and Interest Groups. RSS keeps you informed of professional opportunities via our website and monthly eBulletin.  A subscription to our journal Rural Sociology is included with your membership. RSS members receive a discounted registration rate to our Annual Meeting (held late July or August each year).  RSS members take an active part in the program of the annual meeting by submitting posters, papers, panels, and organized sessions. RSS offers leadership opportunities

 

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Research and Interest Groups (RIGS)

What are Research and Interest Groups? Research and Interest Groups (RIGs) reflect the substantive interests of RSS Members and serve as an important avenue for connecting members with similar interests.  RIGs serve a critical role in RSS including: identifying, developing, and recruiting for the annual RSS conference; planning special events, speakers, and field trips for the annual conference; providing intellectual leadership in their respective areas; rewarding achievement through internal awards and recognitions; and creating opportunities for members, particularly graduate students, to network and identify colleagues with similar interests. 

 

More information on RIGs here!

Contact Us

Address all membership and other information concerning the Rural Sociological Society to the following email address: [email protected]

If you would like us to share announcements (calls for papers, job postings and the like) with our members, as related to rural sociology, email the RSS Business Office with all information you would like dispersed. If relevant, we will post the announcement on our site, monthly eBulletin, and social media platforms.

Scott R. Sanders and Michael R. Cope are co-Executive Directors of RSS. You can contact Scott, Michael, and the RSS Business Office via the following.

Rural Sociological Society
2053 JFSB
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602

The RSS Business Office e-mail address is: [email protected]

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