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The Right to Be Rural

Exploring rights, citizenship, and community resilience in rural areas

Jennifer Jarman editor Karen R Foster editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Alberta Press

Published:18th Feb '22

Should be back in stock very soon

The Right to Be Rural cover

This insightful collection examines the challenges and resilience of rural communities worldwide, addressing the concept of a right to be rural.

In The Right to Be Rural, the concept of a 'right to be rural' brings to light the myriad challenges that rural communities face globally. This collection features a diverse group of researchers who delve into the intricacies of rural societies, economies, and governance across continents including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. By examining various domains such as education, employment, and health, the contributors highlight how rights and citizenship intersect with rural life, revealing critical insights into community dynamics.

The authors explore the central question of whether there exists a right to be rural, emphasizing the resilience of these communities in the face of adversity. They argue that understanding the spatial character of citizenship rights is essential for comprehending rural life in the twenty-first century. This perspective not only sheds light on the struggles faced by rural populations but also uncovers often overlooked aspects of their resilience and adaptability.

The Right to Be Rural serves as a vital resource for scholars and policymakers who are invested in the health and well-being of rural communities. With contributions from a wide array of experts, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities present in rural settings, making it an important addition to the discourse on rights and citizenship in contemporary society.

“The Right to Be Rural is a formidable beginning to problematizing and unpacking rural life, creating a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie before rural citizens. International scholars spell out meaningful strategies to stem the tide of community loss as they look at issues of digital citizenship, housing, and resources in Canada, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Poland, and Zimbabwe.” Fabrizio Antonelli, Mount Allison University
“In this excellent collection for rural development scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, contributors focus on issues such as climate change, neoliberal social and economic policies, economic globalization, restructuring and de-industrialization, population ageing and outmigration, food security, and sovereignty.” Ataharul Chowdhury, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph
"The Right to Be Rural lays a foundation for advocating rural rights in the digital era, one in which community participation is central to policy formation. Its thorough analysis and practical recommendations make it a valuable asset for advancing rural studies and strengthening rural communities’ leadership." Paul G. Murphy, American Review of Canadian Studies, July 2024

ISBN: 9781772125832

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 25mm

Weight: 560g

392 pages