270 Announcements

France-British Association for Rural Studies

Rural issues have attracted increasing attention from British social scientists during the past 15 years, and in France there has been a strong tradition of rural studies since the Second World War. These developments have occurred quite separately with little transnational contact until now, even though the two countries face many similar problems in- their rural areas. It has become evident that cross-fertilisation of research ideas and experience would be mutually beneficial.

To this end the France-British Association for Rural Studies has been established, with parallel French and British committees representing the range of social science disciplines. Its objects are: to promote comparative and collaborative research in rural studies; to facilitate ex- change of information about rural issues; to encourage joint publications; to encourage and facilitate contacts between British and French students and researchers; in general, to promote bilateral relations between rural social scientists. Though the emphasis is on rural society, there is no intention to demarcate this artificially from urban society, and the Association is keen to encourage mutual understanding of rural-urban interdependences.

The first meeting of the Association will be held in March 1987 at Oxford. For further details contact:

Martine Segalen

Eatyvonne Bodiguel, Group de Recherche Sociologique, Universitd de Paris X, Batiment G, 92001 Nanterre, France.

Tel: (1) 4725 9234 x 796 (806)

Yvette Galton or Philip Lowe, Bartlett School of Architecture & Planning, University College London, 22 Gordon Street, London WClH OQB, U.K.

Tel: 387 7050 x 803 (801)