Presents a literary review of the positions held concerning a central population issue, development within the ecosphere. Explores concerns posed by contemporary academic economists and ecologists. Suggests that demographers see the issue as an important area of research needing the expertise of several disciplines. (143 references) (MCO)

A variety of ecological, economic, and social changes are now reshaping rural America. The deterioration of the economic structures and perceived quality of social life in large metropolitan centers of the United States has stimulated the dispersal of population and economic resources throughout rural America. During the last decade almost three…