ABSTRACT
Rurality, at its core, is a spatial concept. Arguably, the two main dimensions of the spatial view of rurality are (low) density and/or (long) distance-to-density. From this perspective, such spatial dimensions are the key to understanding the behavior of rural individuals, rural enterprises, and rural organizations. Rural policy is, by the spatial definition of rural, a consideration of the density and distance-to-density dimensions of every policy proposal. Thus, rural policy is a constituent component of each and every policy discussion or decision. Rural development policy is the same as metro development policy – except that “rural” development policy constitutes a focus on the constraints or opportunities arising from the rurality dimensions of density and distance-to-density. The choice of geographic unit for implementing a rural policy or program will depend upon the objectives of the policy or program. A community-focused policy or program would best classify “communities” according to their rurality dimensions of density and distance-to-density. Similarly, a regional-focused policy or program should classify regions according to their rurality dimensions of density and distance-to-density. This chapter expands on and explains these points of view. Reference is made to both classic and recent discussions of the definition of “rural” in order to place our view into the context of the writings of others on this topic.
