The Development of Rural Sociology

Abstract

The study of rural society has arisen chiefly because there was need for knowledge about the human factor engaged in agricultural production. During the last fifteen years more than five hundred institutions widely distrubuted over the United States have added one or more courses in rural sociology to their curricula. Some institutions offer graduate courses in this field and havemade provisions for research work. Most of the research work in rural sociology, however, is done by the United States Department of Agriculture and the state agricultural experiment stations. At the present time, studies show a tendency to be more minute and detailed, although there is still great need for accurate data pertaining to populations living on farms.