The Book Has Been Written To Serve As A Textbook For Students Of M.A. Sociology In Various Universities In The Paper On Rural Sociology.While The Matter For The Book Has Been Gathered From Standard Books, Journals And Newspapers, Data Have Been Selected From Government Publication India And Other Such Sources. The Matter Has Been Presented In An Analytical Style Using Central, Side And Running Headings To Make The Subject Easy To Understand And Remember. The Language Used Is Easy And Free From Technical Jargon. In Matters Of Discussion, Integral And Holistic Approach Has Been Adopted To Give A Balanced View. Selected Questions Drawn From University Papers Have Been Given At The End Of Each Chapter To Enable The Students To Prepare For Examination. Thus, An Attempt Has Been Made To Make This Work An Ideal Textbook On The Subject.It Is Hoped That The Book Would Also Be Of Great Help To Trainees, Agriculturists And Social Workers.

"The fourth edition of the book-Introductory Rural Sociology-has been brought out by the addition of a new chapter on Gandhi's Theory of Social Change. In it, his prominent ideas have been discussed, increasing students? awareness of Gandhian mode of living and thinking. Other aspects of the text have been kept intact as their revision has been considered neither necessary nor desirable. They have proved themselves over the years to stand valid, relevant and applicable. The concepts and principles explained in the book enhance its comprehension and utility by students and development personnel."--

Foot and mouth disease and BSE have both had a devastating impact on rural society. Alongside these devastating developments, the rise of the organic food movement has helped to revitalize an already politicized rural population. From fox-hunting to farming, the vigour with which rural activities and living are defended overturns received notions of a sleepy and complacent countryside. Over the years "rural life" has been defined, redefined and eventually fallen out of fashion as a sociological concept--in contrast to urban studies, which has flourished. This much-needed reappraisal calls for its reinterpretation in light of the profound changes affecting the countryside. First providing an overview of rural sociology, Hillyard goes on to offer contemporary case studies that clearly demonstrate the need for a reinvigorated rural sociology. Tackling a range of contentious issues--from fox-hunting to organic farming--this book offers a new model for rural sociology and reassesses its role in contemporary society.