Becoming a rural sociologist involves obtaining a degree in sociology, gaining field experience, and potentially pursuing postgraduate education. Research, statistical analysis, and publishing articles are also important aspects of the profession. Joining professional societies and attending conferences can help advance knowledge and understanding of rural sociology.
Individuals who wish to become a rural sociologist generally follow the same educational and career path as any professional in the sociological sciences. A degree in sociology is the first step, followed by field experience. Membership in a rural sociological society can be helpful, as can reading career-specific publications and attending conferences.
Typically, the first step a student takes toward becoming a rural sociologist is taking the right courses. These classes may include basic sociological principles, psychology, and history. Understanding the theories behind community development, farming and ranching, and other activities closely linked to rural communities is essential to advancing to an advanced degree. It is not necessary to obtain a postgraduate degree in rural sociology or a related discipline, but it is useful if you want to become a rural sociologist.
Generally, degree programs are available at most two- and four-year colleges for the foundation courses needed to become a rural sociologist. Postgraduate programs in rural sociology are available in the United States, United Kingdom and the Netherlands at academic institutions such as Clemson University, University of East Anglia and The Hague Institute of Social Studies.
Rural sociologists often conduct research, observing rural populations and sometimes setting up social experiments to look more closely at attitudes and behavior. This requires training in research methodology and statistical analysis. Writing and publishing articles on rural sociology are often requirements for majoring in rural sociology.
After becoming a rural sociologist, you will likely study the behavior of people living in rural environments. This can include farms, villages and cities. Studying the behavior of individuals and families living outside metropolitan areas can provide information about the development of larger cities, as well as the behavior of loosely knit populations. Studying how people relate to the land is also a general goal of the rural sociologist, as well as concerns about the health of communities living in a rural environment.
Even after completing formal training to become a rural sociologist, most people involved in this profession continue to improve their knowledge of the subject. This usually includes refresher courses, reading academic journals, and attending rural sociology conferences. Many rural sociologists join professional societies and associations specific to rural sociology.
Rural sociology became an important part of the field of sociology early in the discipline’s history. The Rural Sociological Society was created in Washington, DC in 1936, and the European Society of Rural Sociology was created in 1957. Other societies emerged around the world, including Australia and the Oceanic Network and the Latin American Association of Rural Sociology. In 1976, the International Association for Rural Sociology was formed.
Rural sociologists publish scholarly articles on the study of rural communities in journals. These include “Rural Sociology”, “Journal of Rural Health” and “Journal of Rural Social Science”. A rural sociologist usually subscribes to one or more of these publications to keep up with current findings and theories.
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