Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2001
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
First Advisor
Peter F. Korsching
Abstract
This is a study of community controversy in rural areas. It examines recent episodes of local dispute over livestock production practices in Minnesota locations---a type of controversy increasingly taking place in rural areas. The course of controversy over time is considered, as are frames of interpretation adopted in the place-based communities where controversy occurs. A combination of qualitative research methods are used, including semi-structured interviews, roundtable discussions, and review of media accounts, public records and historical documents.;Research findings support Coleman's 1957 model of community controversy and the dynamics in issues and social organization that emerge through the course of controversy. The recent controversy examined here follows the same course as those Coleman examined in the 1950s. Two themes noted in the research that are not articulated in Coleman's model are the role of bystanders in local controversy and the involvement of outsiders as the controversy proceeds.;Two distinct frames of interpretation are identified within the controversies examined---agribusiness and quality of life. These themes are consistent with the dynamics and elements of conventional and alternative agriculture paradigms. It is noted that preservation of family farming within the agribusiness frame identified in this research digresses from the conventional agriculture paradigm.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-9882
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu
Copyright Owner
Kathy Sue Kremer
Copyright Date
2001
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI3034199
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
154 pages
Recommended Citation
Kremer, Kathy Sue, "Frames of rural community controversy " (2001). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 654.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/654
Included in
Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Agricultural Economics Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons