The Effects of Social Change upon the Rural Personality.

Studies of basic personality cover what was formerly discussed by rural sociologists under the concept of the rural mind. Rural life demonstrates three basic organizations of personality, that emphasizing the family (Homeric), that emphasizing land and homestead (Hesiodic), and that completely engulfed in the money economy (Aristophanic). At any one time different social classes in agriculture express one or the other versions of these three basic personalities. The small isolated farm groups are primarily Homeric. Others like the Pennsylvania Germans illustrate the Hesiodic. The large capitalist aggregates emphasize the Aristophanic. Western society may be divided into periods according to which of these mentalities is most dominant. At present we are in an extremely Aristophanic period. An understanding of these three mentalities will help us to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of our present rural culture. An "ideal" rural social system would seek to promote all three values, family, land and homestead, and money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]