ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the differential, hierarchical distribution of impacts of rural resource development projects. Megaprojects devoted to mineral extraction, nuclear and fossil fuel power generation and toxic and radioactive waste storage all have consequences for rural areas. This chapter presents an analytical perspective which emphasizes the effects of such projects on community power structures. Preoccupation with the theoretical relevance of rural sociology has accelerated. Rural areas are also likely to have relatively primitive infrastructure systems. Harvey Molotch notes that an additional component of the preconditions of growth is the "business climate," including "reasonable" taxes, "good" labor relations, and minimal overt social conflict. Potential local subordinate-class divisions surrounding likely project impacts also influence dominant-group legitimacy. Subordinate-class divisions may disengage a segment of the local subordinate class from the dominant class, making them, in effect, "up for grabs" from the perspective of external dominant classes seeking a measure of locally based legitimacy.
