George Giacinto Giarchi is Professor of Social Care Studies in the School of Applied Psycho-Social Studies, in the Faculty of Health and Social Work at the University of Plymouth, England.

• 1. Editorial Introduction: George Giacinto Giarchi. 2. Redefining the 'Rural Question': The New 'Politics of the Rural' and Social Policy: Michael Woods.3. Rural Movements in Europe: Scandinavia and the Accession States: Vanessa Halhead.4. Market-based Governance and the Challenge for Rural Governments: US Trends: Mildred E. Warner.5. Between Decentralized Planning and Neo-liberalism: Challenges for the Survival of the Indigenous People of Kerala, India: Darley Jose Kjosavik, Nadarajah Shanmugaratnam.6. Child Health in Rural Mexico: Has Progresa Reduced Children's Morbidity Risks?: Maria C. Huerta.7. Rurality and Social Inclusion: A Case of Preschool Education: Mark Shucksmith, Janet Shucksmith, Joyce Watt.8. Jobs in the Bush: Global Industries and Inclusive Rural Development: Robyn Eversole, John Martin.9. Older People 'on the Edge' in the Countrysides of Europe: George Giacinto Giarchi.10. Spinning the Rural Agenda: The Countryside Alliance, Fox Hunting and Social Policy: Alison Anderson.Index.

?This is an interesting -collection with some chapters providing broad overviews of rural welfare and others detailing the specifics in particular places.? (International Journal of Social Welfare , July 2009)