Lecture 3 ( Rural Geographies)

Question 1

What are the 4 approaches to defining ‘rural’ :

Answer 1

1. Descriptive
2. Socio-cultural
3. The rural as locality
4. The rural as a social representation.
   ( Halfracree, 1993)

Question 2

‘Descriptive’ definition :

Answer 2

• Statistical indicators
• Sophisticated measures
• Attempt to identify rural territotires

Question 3

‘Socio- cultural’ definition :

Answer 3

• Used to identity rural societies

- Characteristics of communities

Question 4

The rural as ‘locality’ :

Answer 4

• Associated with primary production.

- Has particular role in consumption.

Question 5

The ‘rural idyll’ :

Answer 5

Way in which rural lifestyle is perceived (safe, wholesome,static,sense of community, traditional values)
‘The countryside has become the refuge from modernity’ (Short 1991)

Question 6

Where has the myth of the ‘rural idyll’ come from ?

Answer 6

(radio/TV/magazines/art/literature)