About the Japanese Association for Rural Studies (SONKEN)
About the Japanese Association for Rural Studies (SONKEN)
The Japanese Association for Rural Studies is composed of members who study the social and economic structure, history, and culture of farming and fishing villages in order to develop village society and improve the well-being of its residents.
We have studied the past, present, and future of farmers and family behavior patterns, settlements, groups and organizations, agricultural production and livelihood, and local culture and community welfare.
We provide a forum for researchers and practitioners in sociology, economics, history, law, anthropology, folklore, lifestyle studies, and environmental studies to publish their research findings and interact with each other.
Purpose
For the development of village society and the improvement of the well-being of its inhabitants, we study the social and economic structure, history, and culture of agricultural, mountainous, and fishing villages. It is an interdisciplinary academic society that analyzes and examines the past, present, and future of farmers and family behavior patterns, settlements, groups and organizations, agricultural production and livelihood, and local culture and community welfare.
It provides a forum for researchers and practitioners in the fields of sociology, economics, history, law, anthropology, folklore, lifestyle studies, environmental studies, and the practical and pragmatic aspects of rural society to publish their research and practical results and to exchange and improve each other's work.
Academic Activities
Holding a research conference every fall
Publication of "Journal of Rural Society" (a.k.a. "Journal of Rural Studies") (twice a year)
Publication of the "Journal of Rural Society" (commonly known as the "Murakami Kenkyu Annual Report") (once a year)
Holding regional study groups in each region.
Awarding the "Japanese Association for Rural Studies Encouragement Prize".
Research exchange with other countries
Publishing "Kenkyu Tsushin" (research newsletter) three times a year.