ABSTRACT

An important debate is taking place in rural sociology about how to understand the links between globalization and local rural restructuring. This chapter provides a theoretical and epistemological reading of the current global-local links debate in rural sociology. The global-local links debate in rural sociology is full of theoretical insights and methodological suggestions that are relevant not only for rural sociology, but for social science in general. The chapter discusses the empirical findings of a comparative research agenda on the impact of structural adjustment programmes in two horticultural communities in the high valleys of the Andes: Pueblo Llano and Cerrito. It presents the responses of Pueblo Llano’s and Cerrito’s farmers to the shifting economic scenarios introduced by structural adjustment programmes and economic openings, as well as the responses of Colombian immigrants to shifting labour market and political conditions in Venezuela. The chapter proposes possible research strategy and some theoretical hints to bridge the gap between global and local rural studies.