Bell, Michael M. and Frederick Hendricks. 2003. “Democratization in Rural Life: Introduction,” in Walking Towards Justice: Democratization in Rural Life, Michael M. Bell and Frederick Hendricks, eds., with Azril Bacal. Research in Rural Sociology and Development book series. Amsterdam and New York: JAI/Elsevier.
Rural Sociology - Abstract
An introduction traces the evolution of democracy as a topic of sociological concern. After WWII, democracy became an adjunct of modernization theory that linked it with development & later led to an alliance of democracy with capitalism. The increasing social inequalities attached to development created academic conflict & by the late 1980s the topic was plagued with widespread doubt. Neoliberalism associated with the emergence of globalization exhibited even less concern for democratic processes & generated a resurgence of sociological interest in democracy. This volume presents recent work on democracy by rural sociologists who are concerned with issues of community & the rural implications of the era of globalization. The book is divided into three sections that address theoretical issues; democratization in rich countries; & democratization in poor countries. Together they suggest that rural sociology may be leading the way in democratic renewal & the challenge to neoliberalism. A synopsis of each essay is included. 27 References. J. Lindroth.
Bell, Michael M. 2003. “Dialogue and Isodemocracy: Creating the Social Conditions of Good Talk,” in Walking Towards Justice: Democratization in Rural Life, Michael M. Bell and Frederick Hendricks, eds., with Azril Bacal. Research in Rural Sociology and Development book series. Amsterdam and New York: JAI/Elsevier.
Anderson, Cynthia and Michael M. Bell. 2003. “The Devil of Social Capital: A Dilemma for American Rural Sociology.” Pp. 232-244 in Country Visions, Paul Cloke, ed. London: Pearson.
Peter, Gregory, Michael M. Bell, Susan Jarnagin, Donna Bauer. 2000. “Coming Back Across the Fence: Masculinity and the Transition to Sustainable Agriculture,” Rural Sociology. 65(2): 215-233.
Anderson, Cynthia D. and Michael M. Bell. 2000. “The Social Economy of Rural Life: An Introduction.” Journal of Rural Studies. 16: 269-272.
Bell, Michael M. and Philip Lowe. 2000. “Regulated Freedoms: The Market and the State, Agriculture and the Environment,” Journal of Rural Studies. 16: 285-294.
rural sociology, social theory, michael m. bell, sustainable agriculture, rural sociology