The 1970's ushered in widespread population deconcentration, seen in the pervasive shift of the United States population down the size-of-place scale. To document population changes in various sized places in the country from 1950 to 1980 and to show the pervasiveness of urban-rural deconcentration in nonmetropolitan areas, researchers examined…

These proceedings from a bicentennial forum at the University of Tennessee examine the role agrarian tradition has played in shaping U.S. heritage, basic values, and sociopolitical forces; implications of changing values for public policy are also scrutinized. The forum involved humanists and social scientists as speakers and a diverse audience of…

Conducted statewide poll (N=743) in Kentucky to examine rural mental health. Results indicated that while physical health tended to be poorer among rural populations, when health was held constant there was inverse relationship between age and depression. Findings suggest that rural elderly are no more likely to be depressed than urban…

After decade of growth, rural income, population, and overall economic activity have stalled and again lag behind urban trends. Causes include banking and transportation deregulation, international competition, agricultural finance problems. Only nonmetropolitan counties dependent on retirement, government, and trade show continuing income growth…

Demographic information, history, and research relating to psychological services in rural schools are examined. Although some factors are unique to rural schools, it is concluded that services and perceptions of practitioners are similar in rural and urban areas. School psychologists spend most of their time in assessment for special placement.…

After discussing the current conditions of rural areas, the author proposes that rural universities take more active roles in their communities, by providing a wide range of educational services. (JB)

Indicators of normative traditionalism were derived from 1947 and 1970 attitude surveys of adolescents from 68 Pennsylvania high schools. Rural-urban character of the areas was indexed by 1950 and 1970 census materials. Although 1970 normative climates were more permissive, findings suggest continuing utility of rural-urban distinction in dealing…

Urban women are better off in labor force participation and poverty than women in central city and rural areas. Differences in access to jobs and welfare benefits explain the urban-rural variation. Finds that the most important factor for not living in poverty is earning income. Recommends policies for reducing poverty among single, working…

Data from three Nebraska surveys containing a large panel component were used to examine rural-urban differences in mental health during the farm crisis of the 1980s. Prevalence of psychological symptoms was related both to community context and to level of economic stress. Contains 67 references. (Author/SV)

Discusses the problems and impact of national trends on small towns and how small towns in eastern Washington have adapted to social and economic change. Illustrates how small towns try to address contemporary concerns such as computerization, the environment, and the expanding needs of their communities while continuing to hold on to their…

This United Nation's publication presents data on the size and growth of urban and rural populations for all countries of the world and contains revised estimates and projections for all urban agglomerations that had at least one million inhabitants in 1990. Chapter 1 presents levels of urbanization and future trends for urban and rural…

In light of geographic maldistribution of physicians and evidence that physicians with rural backgrounds are more likely to select rural practice, a study was conducted that revealed 17 percent of total and accepted medical school applicants come from areas where 26 percent of the population resides. (JT)

According to U.S. Census data, in rural Pennsylvania, 37% of adults did not complete higher school, and 21% did not go beyond 8th grade. As a consequence of present demographic and literacy trends, the proportion of the workforce with low levels of basic skills is growing. At the same time, a changing labor market is creating new jobs that demand…

Nutrition and health are underlying influences to education performance. This report is a collection and analysis of data on nutrition and the rural poor in the United States. It presents an empirical assessment of critical nutritional and social-service problems experienced by the rural poor population. The first section of the report uses data…

The Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU), which has proven successful in urban areas, may be a viable system for providing health care to the elderly in rural areas. GAUs engage in assessment, follow-up response to findings, education, and research. The assessment component includes, at minimum, physical health, functional ability in activities of…