This title was first published in 2001. Focusing on the distinctive ways in which rural social, economic and political life is experienced in developed societies in late modernity, this striking volume draws on empirical material from a wide range of countries within and outside the EU. It also incorporates comparative case studies from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

This title was first published in 2001. Focusing on the distinctive ways in which rural social, economic and political life is experienced in developed societies in late modernity, this striking volume draws on empirical material from a wide range of countries within and outside the EU. It also incorporates comparative case studies from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Based on the EU-funded CORASON research project, this volume brings together and compares studies into rural and sustainable development processes in 12 European countries. In doing so, it identifies key trends and reveals the changing nature of development processes on the way towards a knowledge society. The book examines the differences between the preconditions and contexts relevant to rural development strategies and those relevant to sustainable development strategies. It explores whether the concept, goals and nature of rural development is better understood and adopted by rural actors than those of sustainable development. Finally by focusing on the ideas and practices of sustainable resource management- a component in both rural and sustainable development objectives- it links with knowledge used by actors involved in rural development.

Based on the EU-funded CORASON research project, this volume brings together and compares studies into rural and sustainable development processes in 12 European countries. In doing so, it identifies key trends and reveals the changing nature of development processes on the way towards a knowledge society. The book examines the differences between the preconditions and contexts relevant to rural development strategies and those relevant to sustainable development strategies. It explores whether the concept, goals and nature of rural development is better understood and adopted by rural actors than those of sustainable development. Finally by focusing on the ideas and practices of sustainable resource management- a component in both rural and sustainable development objectives- it links with knowledge used by actors involved in rural development.