Rurality in Leisure Research: A Review of Four Major Journals (Report‪)‬

Introduction While the U.S. is a predominantly urban nation (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000, rural areas maintain a position of significance in the country's culture and economic system (Brown & Swanson, 2003; Cart & Kefalas, 2009; Miller & Bates, 1987). Over 59 million Americans resided in rural communities in 2000, representing 1/5 of the entire population (Brown & Swanson; Hart, Larson, & Lishner, 200S). Additionally, 7S% of the U.S. landmass can be classified as nonmetropolitan (Hart et al., 2005). Despite their relevance, significant problems in economic development, health, and quality of life dimensions exist in rural areas (Beaulieu, Israel, & Wimberley, 2003; Brown & Swanson; Jensen, 2006; Jensen, McLaughlin, & Slack, 2003; Luloff, 1998). Additionally, considerable changes to rural social and economic structures in the U.S. (e.g., the rapid loss of middle-class residents and shifts in economic activities away from agriculture and manufacturing) potentially threaten the very existence of rural life (Cart & Kefalas, 2009; Lobao, 2004).