Julie N. Zimmerman

Does it or Doesn't it? Geographic Differences and the Costs of Living

Abstract  The relative cost of living in rural areas has long been of interest to rural sociologists. Today, the popular perception is that rural prices are lower. This study examines geographic differences in the costs of living in Kentucky. The results indicate that, contrary to the popular perception, when prices of the same products and services were compared, there was no consistent pattern of lower prices in the rural counties. Furthermore, differences in the material conditions of rural living meant that there were additional costs that price comparisons alone did not capture.

“We're not horsing around” Conceptualizing the Kentucky Horse Industry as an Economic Cluster

Michael Porters concept of an economic cluster is used as a heuristic tool for assisting residents and policy-makers in understanding the diverse economic impacts of the horse industry in Kentucky. “A cluster is a geographically proximate group of interconnected companies and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities and complementarities” (Porter, 2000, p. 16). This concept helps us to understand the complex relationships and social dynamics that link seemingly disparate businesses into a competitive economic sector. The importance of research and information from public institutions as well as policies and investments by local and state governments on the survival of clusters will also be explored. It will be argued that the concept of a cluster can stimulate a more comprehensive way of thinking about regional economic development, especially in resource-dependent areas.

Building Knowledge, Building Community: Integrating Internet Access to Secondary Data as Part of the Community Development Process

Too often, the approach to secondary data collection and analysis in community development is to handle it as an activity separate from other participatory processes. Today, as the internet has grown, not only has easy access to online sources of secondary data increased, but the internet itself has opened up the ability of communities to engage in data collection and analysis in new and innovative ways. Engaging communities in building internet-based access to locally relevant data can result in the inter-related outcomes of increased knowledge about ones community and increased local access to community data, while doing it in a way that builds community relationships and local ownership of the results, as well as increased ease with internet technology. Included are suggestions for both the process and product in integrating internet-based data access into local community development.

Voices from the past, lessons for the future

Purpose – As academic fields increasingly turn to social action and seek partnerships with groups beyond the academy, so too are we looking for guidance. Rural sociology developed out of applying research to social action and within this field was a unique unit. The purpose of this paper is to present a history of the Division of Farm Population and Rural Life, which was part of the US Department of Agriculture from 1919 to 1953 was a pioneer in applying sociological knowledge to policy and action.Design/methodology/approach – This article looks back to the history of this unit to examine the lessons to be learned.Findings – Placing these lessons within the context of contemporary issues underscores the continuing relevance of this historical experience.Originality/value – The issues surrounding engaging external partners are both particularistic and universal. However, without an historical sense of the challenges, each time we encounter them, the challenges feel new and somehow unique. This article look...