Examining the reversal in out migration since 1970, this study of seven coal-producing, non-metropolitan counties in Eastern Kentucky explored employment related reasons for moving and compared socioeconomic characteristics of residents and migrants. Viewed as typical of major social and economic trends in central Appalachia, Kentucky was chosen…

The paper discusses possibilities for political scientists to work with an adult non-campus public through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Humanities are defined in terms of those academic disciplines concerned with the records, interpretation, and evaluation of human knowledge. The author describes his success with six…

Structural and cultural inequalities hinder the attainment of approximately 25 million rural American youth. A characteristic lack of education and employment opportunities is combined with a restricted realm of attainment in rural areas. Rural people are negatively stereotyped by the mass society, as seen in an examination of linguistic terms…

Cost and quality issues are analyzed as they relate to provision of group day care. A series of assessment tables for self-evaluation of centers is presented. Three specific aspects are considered: cost of care, quality of care delivered to children and staff use in day care centers. Cost analysis focuses on: (1) the total cost of care per…

Fourteen economic development practitioners were asked to participate in a modified Delphi study that attempted to provide a level of agreement about future trends and issues that affect economic development at the county level in Ohio. Literature from several fields was reviewed to find potential trends and issues and, using a Likert-type scale,…

This speech focuses on the ways in which many individuals try to teach others about emotional health and well-being without having accomplished the same for themselves. The speaker posits that some are better talkers than doers because to really find a sense of health and stability, one must forget about oneself; one must become "absent" of self…

A 3-year (1978-81) participant observation study examined the involvement within the spaces and places of the lives of 15 elderly residents (ranging in age from 62 to 91) of a declining rural Appalachian community, to develop an understanding of their milieu and its relationship to their level of well being. Close interpersonal relationships were…

The extent and degree of student alcohol and drug involvement--and possible factors relating to the involvement--were examined in a study of 1,503 Nebraska high school students in 6 small rural schools and in 1 larger school (949 students) located in a medium-sized trade center. The survey was undertaken as a needs assessment in preparation for a…

There are five basic types of rural communities as far as school issues are concerned; rural schools vary not only to the extent that they are small, but also according to the type of community in which they are located. "Stable rural" communities are our classic rural community--prosperous, peaceful, traditional, and mostly white. In…

This paper explores how life course organization influences overall life quality and achievement, with emphasis on achievement differences between men and women. Life course organization refers to the level, timing, sequencing, and continuity of educational, occupational, marital, childbearing, and other commitments made by an individual over a…

The attitudes and behaviors of college graduates several years after graduation and the changes in their attitudes from their freshman year (1970) until the time of a followup survey (1977) were studied. The following areas were covered with the 9,000 respondents: life goals, religious preferences, how the college graduates spend their time,…

The North American Free Trade Agreement has generated serious debate regarding the stimulating effects of foreign investment on Mexico's economy. Saltillo, a metropolitan center in the mountains of Coahuila, has been positively affected by recent economic trends. But the village of General Cepeda, located just 50 miles from Saltillo, is relatively…

On the premise that considering children's point of view when examining the relationship between work and family can provide crucial information for many fields, this study examined the nature and quality of living conditions and the competence of 9- to 12-year-olds. Participating in the questionnaire study was a representative random sample of…

Young people growing up in rural and isolated areas of Australia face particular challenges because structural change to the rural economy has dramatically affected their communities. Structural challenges include limited transportation, health and community services that are difficult to access and not confidential, scarcity of affordable…

Limited sunlight, low temperatures, and slow natural growth make the Arctic environment extremely vulnerable to pollution. Circumpolar nations formed the Arctic Council to cooperate in promoting sustainable development in the region. An integrated approach is required, encompassing social conditions, health, culture, education, and environmental…