摘要: This article examines recent rural community studies by considering, in turn: comparisons, methods, theories and as vehicles for developing social scientific arguments. ‘Recent’ is defined from 1980 onwards. ‘Rural’ taken to include research conducted country towns. And ‘community studies’ understood an inclusive term embracing various methodologies. Because this field cannot be covered exhaustively, attention focused on that has a special bearing the future of studies. Particular reference made work Colin Bell, which helped shape agendas.