About the book
Jane Adams focuses on the transformation of rural life in Union County, Illinois, as she explores the ways in which American farming has been experienced and understood in the twentieth century. Reconstructing the histories of seven farms, she places the details of daily life within the context of political and economic change. Adams identifies contradictions that, on a personal level, influenced relations between children and parents, men and women, and bosses and laborers, and that, more generally, changed structures of power within the larger rural community. In this historical ethnography, Adams traces two contradictory narratives: one stresses plenitude — rich networks of neighbors and kin, the ability to supply families from the farm, the generosity shown to those in need — while the other stresses the acute hardships and oppressive class, gender, and age inequities that characterized farm life. The New Deal and World War II disrupted both patterns, as the increased capital necessary for successful farming forced many to move from agriculture to higher-paid nonfarm work. This shift also changed the structure of the farm household, as homes modernized and women found work off the farm. Adams concludes that large-scale bureaucracies leveled existing class distinctions and that community networks eroded as farmers came to realize an improved standard of living.
Editions of The Transformation of Rural Life
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807821688
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807844793
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807860045
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890865021
Read an Excerpt
Jane Adams focuses on the transformation of rural life in Union County, Illinois, as she explores the ways in which American farming has been experienced and understood in the twentieth century. Reconstructing the histories of seven farms, she places the details of daily life within the context of political and economic change. Adams identifies contradictions that, on a personal level, influenced relations between children and parents, men and women, and bosses and laborers, and that, more generally, changed structures of power within the larger rural community. In this historical ethnography, Adams traces two contradictory narratives: one stresses plenitude — rich networks of neighbors and kin, the ability to supply families from the farm, the generosity shown to those in need — while the other stresses the acute hardships and oppressive class, gender, and age inequities that characterized farm life. The New Deal and World War II disrupted both patterns, as the increased capital necessary for successful farming forced many to move from agriculture to higher-paid nonfarm work. This shift also changed the structure of the farm household, as homes modernized and women found work off the farm. Adams concludes that large-scale bureaucracies leveled existing class distinctions and that community networks eroded as farmers came to realize an improved standard of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Transformation of Rural Life about?
Jane Adams focuses on the transformation of rural life in Union County, Illinois, as she explores the ways in which American farming has been experienced and understood in the twentieth century. Reconstructing the histories of seven farms, she places the details of daily life within the context of political and economic change. Adams identifies contradictions that, on a personal level, influenced relations between children and parents, men and women, and bosses and laborers, and that, more generally, changed structures of power within the larger rural community. In this historical ethnography, Adams traces two contradictory narratives: one stresses plenitude — rich networks of neighbors and kin, the ability to supply families from the farm, the generosity shown to those in need — while the other stresses the acute hardships and oppressive class, gender, and age inequities that characterized farm life. The New Deal and World War II disrupted both patterns, as the increased capital necessary for successful farming forced many to move from agriculture to higher-paid nonfarm work. This shift also changed the structure of the farm household, as homes modernized and women found work off the farm. Adams concludes that large-scale bureaucracies leveled existing class distinctions and that community networks eroded as farmers came to realize an improved standard of living.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Transformation of Rural Life?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Rural communities / rural life
Where can I read a sample of The Transformation of Rural Life?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807821688
How long is The Transformation of Rural Life and how many pages does it have?
The Transformation of Rural Life has 352 page(s)
Is The Transformation of Rural Life part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in Rural Culture
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Transformation of Rural Life?
Jane Adams
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Transformation of Rural Life is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807821688) and paperback(ISBN 9780807844793) and ebook(ISBN 9780807860045) and pdf(ISBN 9798890865021)
Where can I buy The Transformation of Rural Life online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Transformation of Rural Life from below
Where can I buy The Transformation of Rural Life?