{"id":704,"date":"2025-07-08T17:43:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:43:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/?page_id=704"},"modified":"2025-12-12T20:36:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T20:36:24","slug":"community-health-and-family","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/community-health-and-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Community, Health, and Family"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-704\" data-postid=\"704\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-704 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_tlyn991 tb_first tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_eair992 first\">\n                    <!-- module fancy heading -->\n<div  class=\"module module-fancy-heading tb_d985344 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <h1 class=\"fancy-heading\">\n    <span class=\"main-head tf_block\">\n                    Community, Health, and Family Research and Interest Group            <\/span>\n\n    \n    <span class=\"sub-head tf_block tf_rel\">\n                    Exploring the social dimensions of well-being in rural communities            <\/span>\n    <\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module fancy heading -->\n<!-- Breadcrumbs module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-breadcrumbs tb_h92w407 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"tbp_breadcrumb_trail\"><ul class=\"tbp_trail_items\" itemscope itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><meta name=\"numberOfItems\" content=\"1\" \/><meta name=\"itemListOrder\" content=\"Ascending\" \/><li itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\" class=\"tbp_trail_item tbp_trail_end\"><a itemprop=\"item\" href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/\" rel=\"home\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><\/a><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><!-- \/Breadcrumbs module -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_ezkq378 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_6fqi378 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i0gr447   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">What We\u2019re About<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"308\" data-end=\"638\">The Community, Health and Family Research Interest Group is a multidisciplinary community of scholars committed to the open exchange of ideas, collaborative research, and the promotion of teaching\u2014all aimed at improving the quality of life in rural communities both domestically and internationally.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"640\" data-end=\"760\">Members of this RIG focus on advancing innovative research methods and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"930\">\n<li data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"802\">\n<p data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"802\">Community attachment and satisfaction<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"803\" data-end=\"836\">\n<p data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"836\">Social change and development<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"875\">\n<p data-start=\"839\" data-end=\"875\">The sociological study of families<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"876\" data-end=\"930\">\n<p data-start=\"878\" data-end=\"930\">Population health and well-being in rural settings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"932\" data-end=\"1044\">Our collective goal is to better understand how rural communities can thrive in an increasingly urbanized world.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_s3e2739\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_pz9u739 tb_gs590685 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_eosg739   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">Apply for a RIG Award: Submissions Close February 27, 2026<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tb_r4ta739\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_jwgs739 first\">\n                    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_nsdz739 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/about-us\/awards\/ralph-b-brown-scholar-paper\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                                Ralph B. Brown Scholar Paper Award                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col4-2 tb_itsj739 last\">\n                    <!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_cg9q739 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/about-us\/awards\/ronald-wimberley-student-paper\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                                Ronald Wimberley Student Paper Award                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_jmlk529 tb_gs591685 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_8y0r70   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Annual Dues:<\/h3>\n<h4>Regular Members &#8211; $10<br>Student Members &#8211; $5<\/h4>\n<h4>Get Involved:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Contact our leadership team to get connected<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_bwuw860 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"\/membership\/account\/profile?registration=%2Fmembership-purchase%2F\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-hands-helping\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-hands-helping\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join our RIG                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_iuhv963 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_30ky963 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_qgxj935   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>What We Do and How to Get Involved<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1172\">The Community, Health, and Family RIG proudly sponsors two annual paper competitions:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1311\">\n<li data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1263\">\n<p data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1263\"><strong data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1225\">The Ronald Wimberley Student Paper Competition<\/strong> (undergraduate and graduate levels)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1264\" data-end=\"1311\">\n<p data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1311\"><strong data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1311\">The Ralph Brown Faculty Paper Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1313\" data-end=\"1448\">Awards are presented during the RIG Business Meeting, held in conjunction with the <strong data-start=\"1396\" data-end=\"1447\">Rural Sociological Society (RSS) Annual Meeting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<strong style=\"font-size: 1em;\" data-start=\"1616\" data-end=\"1639\">Everyone is welcome. <\/strong>W<span style=\"font-size: 1em;\">hether you\u2019re an experienced researcher, exploring careers in rural health or family services, or simply interested in learning more about the social dynamics of rural communities.<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_m4vx385 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/annual-meeting\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-double-right\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join us at our Annual Meeting                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/volunteer-to-help\/?rig=2\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-hand\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-hand\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Volunteer to Help Organize                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/contact-leadership-team\/?rig=2\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-envelope-circle-check\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-envelope-circle-check\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Contact the Leadership Team                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_5vvp977 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_o6ph978 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vwg4390   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Leadership:<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-css_id=\"ddl1742\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_ddl1742 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top gutter-narrow tb_col_count_3 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_mbd4742 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_9f6r556 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/hjune-125x125.png\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-3502\" title=\"hjune\" alt=\"hjune\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/hjune-125x125.png 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/hjune-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_w54l146 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-w54l146-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-w54l146-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">Haylie June, Co-Chair<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-w54l146-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-w54l146-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_inqj146\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_l9n2146 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_yxu3146   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW30974514 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW30974514 BCX0\">Northwestern University<br><\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW176126905 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW176126905 BCX0\">hayliejune2029@u.northwestern.edu<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW176126905 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio: <\/strong>Haylie June is a graduate student at Northwestern University. Her research interests are family, gender, and education. Her current research projects center on college student parents and mothers who support the Make America Health Again movement.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_m4pn742\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_vrb5742 image-center circle  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/beth-bennett-125x125.jpg\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-3403\" title=\"beth-bennett\" alt=\"beth-bennett\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/beth-bennett-125x125.jpg 125w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/beth-bennett-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/beth-bennett-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/beth-bennett.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_iucm742 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li>\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-iucm742-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-iucm742-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n                    <i class=\"accordion-icon\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-down\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-down\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <i class=\"accordion-active-icon tf_hide\"><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-angle-up\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-angle-up\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i>                    <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">Elizabeth Bennett, Co-Chair<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-iucm742-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-iucm742-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"accordion-content tf_hide tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_19us742\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_garc742 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jdti742   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW131733101 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW131733101 BCX0\">Idaho State University<br><\/span><\/span><\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW219272674 BCX0\" lang=\"EN\" xml:lang=\"EN\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW219272674 BCX0\">benneliz@isu.edu<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bio: <\/strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW101316534 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW101316534 BCX0\">Beth Bennett is an associate professor of sociology at Idaho State University. Her work <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW101316534 BCX0\">focuses<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW101316534 BCX0\"> community and population changes in amenity rich rural areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_g7fi888 last\">\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_6yk7843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_tjkm843 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fuhp843   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">\ud83d\udcf0 News and Announcements<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- advanced-posts module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-advanced-posts tb_3rbr843   themify_builder_content-3rbr843\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t<div  class=\"builder-posts-wrap loops-wrapper news list-post classic tf_clear tf_clearfix\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-5281\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-5281 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-applied-and-extension-news news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-population news_announcements-rural-policy has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_28qk843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_7z1u843 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_bvv2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/article-in-the-conversation\/\">\n\t\tRSS Members Publish Article in The Conversation\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_flf2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-12-10T19:16:08+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-12-10T19:16:08+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">December<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">10<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-12-10T19:21:30+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_07o2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tShannon Monnat and Tim Slack recently published an article in The Conversation on myths about rural America \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4785\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4785 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-applied-and-extension-news news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-international-development-studies news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-population news_announcements-rural-race-and-ethnicity news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_28qk843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_7z1u843 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_bvv2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/past-president-john-green-wins\/\">\n\t\tRSS Past-President John Green Wins Rural Renewal Research Prize\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_flf2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-11-12T17:32:59+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-11-12T17:32:59+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">November<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">12<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-11-12T17:43:40+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_07o2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tThe Rural Renewal Research Prize is an award given to a global leader in rural renewal research, education, and engagement by the Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Initiative. The prize honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the renewal of rural communities and is awarded at the annual Rural Renewal Symposium, which was held [&hellip;]    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4655\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4655 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-applied-and-extension-news news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-natural-resources news_announcements-population news_announcements-rural-policy news_announcements-rural-poverty news_announcements-rural-race-and-ethnicity news_announcements-rural-studies news_announcements-sociology-of-agriculture-food-safrig news_announcements-the-elders news_announcements-youth-education-and-rural-vitality has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_28qk843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_7z1u843 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_bvv2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/the-case-for-rural-america-a-new-book-in-the-rural-studies-series\/\">\n\t\tMueller publishes The Case for Rural America in Rural Studies Series\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_flf2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-10-13T16:45:22+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-10-13T16:45:22+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">October<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">13<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-11-21T18:10:12+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_07o2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tJ. Tom Mueller argues that policymakers, politicians, and academics rarely make a clear case for why rural America matters and is worth saving in the first place. In this provocative book, Mueller meets these issues head-on by presenting a critique of conventional economic development efforts while also articulating why rural America is worthy of preservation. [&hellip;]    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-4650\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-4650 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-member-in-the-news has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_28qk843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_7z1u843 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_bvv2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/expected-spate-of-rural-hospital-closures\/\">\n\t\tRSS President Lisa Pruitt quoted in The Guardian regarding an expected spate of rural hospital closures\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_flf2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-10-13T16:11:28+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-10-13T16:11:28+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">October<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">13<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-10-13T16:18:34+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_07o2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tThe Guardian recently published a story about the closure of a rural hospital in northern California. Many others are likely to follow across the nation, as federal funding streams dry up. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-3382\" class=\"post tf_clearfix post-3382 news type-news status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry news_announcements-community-health-and-family news_announcements-gender-and-sexualities news_announcements-member-in-the-news news_announcements-population has-post-title has-post-date has-post-category has-post-tag has-post-comment has-post-author \">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <div class=\"tbp_advanced_archive_wrap\">\n\t                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_28qk843 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column tb_7z1u843 first\">\n                    <!-- Post Title module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-title tb_bvv2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t<h2 class=\"tbp_title\">\n\t<a  href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/news\/rss-members-pen-washington-post-op-ed\/\">\n\t\tRSS Members Pen Washington Post Op-Ed on Rural Marriage and Motherhood\t\t<\/a>\n<\/h2><\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Title module -->\n<!-- Post Meta module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-meta tb_flf2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-meta tbp_post_meta\">\n\t\t<span class=\"tbp_post_meta_item tbp_post_meta_date\"><time content=\"2025-02-12T17:08:56+00:00\" class=\"entry-date updated\" datetime=\"2025-02-12T17:08:56+00:00\">\n\t<span class=\"tbp_post_month\">February<\/span> <span class=\"tbp_post_day\">12<\/span>, <span class=\"tbp_post_year\">2025<\/span>\t\t\t<meta content=\"2025-09-10T01:40:18+00:00\">\n\t<\/time>\n<\/span><!-- .tbp_post_meta_item -->\t<\/div><!-- .tbp_post_meta -->\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Meta module -->\n<!-- Post Content module -->\n<div  class=\"module module-post-content tb_07o2843 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n\t\n\n    <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t\tRSS Members Shelley Clark and Matthew M. Brooks critiqued Trump-era policies tying transportation funding to marriage and child-rearing, warning of deeper rural deficits in mobility and well-being. \ud83d\udd17 Read More    <\/div><!-- .tb_text_wrap -->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/Post Content module -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .builder-posts-wrap -->\n\n\t\t\t\n<\/div><!-- \/advanced-posts module -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_hhkw800 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_zl2c800 tb_gs590685 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_fqiv138   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3 data-start=\"474\" data-end=\"497\">\ud83d\udcda Selected Publications and Resources<\/h3>\n<p>Explore work from our members and resources on rural sociology:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/ppar\/article-abstract\/35\/1\/3\/8051779?redirectedFrom=fulltext&amp;login=false\">US rural population health and aging in the 2020s<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW34526652 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/ruso.70015\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"SCXW34526652 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW34526652 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW34526652 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Does Caregiver Well-Being Differ by Rurality and State Policy Environment? Identifying a Well-Being Typology for Rural, Suburban, and Urban Caregivers<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"EOP SCXW34526652 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/380871572_Early_Family_Formation_Selective_Migration_and_Childhood_Conditions_in_Rural_America\">Early Family Formation, Selective Migration, and Childhood Conditions in Rural America<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1002\/pop4.181\">The Relational Experience of Poverty: Challenges for Family Planning and Autonomy in Rural Areas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucpress.edu\/books\/rural-and-small-town-america\/paper\">Rural and Small-Town America &#8211; Context, Composition, and Complexities<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/papers.ssrn.com\/sol3\/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1810076\">Judging Parents, Judging Place: Poverty, Rurality and Termination of Parental Rights<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_i8sn81 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ysrx81 first\">\n                            <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_cpy4713\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_7uyy713 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_i6s6999   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h4>Interested in joining RSS or exploring other Research Interest Groups?<\/h4>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module buttons -->\n<div  class=\"module module-buttons tb_8oe1784 buttons-horizontal solid   rounded tb_gs125683\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/membership\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-handshake\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-handshake\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Join RSS Today                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"module-buttons-item tf_in_flx\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/rigs\/\" class=\"ui builder_button tf_in_flx tb_default_color\" >\n                                    <em><svg  class=\"tf_fa tf-fas-circle-chevron-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#tf-fas-circle-chevron-left\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>                                        Back to All RIGs                                        <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<!-- \/module buttons -->\n        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Community, Health, and Family Research and Interest GroupExploring the social dimensions of well-being in rural communities What We\u2019re About The Community, Health and Family Research Interest Group is a multidisciplinary community of scholars committed to the open exchange of ideas, collaborative research, and the promotion of teaching\u2014all aimed at improving the quality of life in rural communities both domestically and internationally. Members of this RIG focus on advancing innovative research methods and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as: Community attachment and satisfaction Social change and development The sociological study of families Population health and well-being in rural settings Our collective goal is to better understand how rural communities can thrive in an increasingly urbanized world. Apply for a RIG Award: Submissions Close February 27, 2026 Ralph B. Brown Scholar Paper Award Ronald Wimberley Student Paper Award Annual Dues: Regular Members &#8211; $10Student Members &#8211; $5 Get Involved: Attend our sessions and networking events at the RSS Annual Meeting Participate in planning discussions or propose new activities Contact our leadership team to get connected Join our RIG What We Do and How to Get Involved The Community, Health, and Family RIG proudly sponsors two annual paper competitions: The Ronald Wimberley [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":54,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-704","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704"}],"version-history":[{"count":83,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5391,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/704\/revisions\/5391"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ruralsociology.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}