Definitions, measures, and uses of rurality: A systematic review of the empirical and quantitative literature. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson, Katherine S.; Nguyen, Tuan D.; Brownstein, Nathan A.; Garcia, Devon; Walker, Hayden C.; Watson, Jordan T.; Xin, Aote
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 82(2021)
• Page Start: 351
• Page End: 365
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Rurality index -- Rurality measure -- Defining rurality; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.01.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: Definitions and measures of rurality are important to researchers and policymakers as they have implications for policy and practice. By conducting a systematic review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various ways in which rurality has been defined and operationalized in empirical and quantitative analyses. We describe how descriptive definitions and measures of rurality have changed over time, particularly due to global and regional urbanization and advances in statistical techniques and data availability. We also provide a comprehensive breakdown of the dimensions and components of rurality measures, an overview of the techniques used in constructing rurality measures, and discuss the uses of rurality measures in research and policy. Finally, we discuss current limitations of descriptive rurality research, future directions, and implications for policy and practice. Highlights: The study provides a systematic review of descriptive definitions of rurality. Definitions and measurements of rurality have changed substantially over time. Measures of rurality have consistently become more complex over time. Reproducibility and availability of rurality measures are critical to future study.