Program Areas

Sociology of Agriculture

Description:

Researchers monitor and investigate issues related to farm policies, technology transfer, farm safety, and resource stewardship, and their implications for producers, farm families, hired farm labor, and residents of rural, agriculturally dependent communities. Surveys are periodically conducted among producers, rural residents, agribusinesses, and community leaders, in addition to analyses of secondary data sources such as the U.S. Agricultural Census.

Faculty:

Dr. Wm. Alex McIntosh, Professor
Dr. John K. Thomas, Professor

Sociology of Nutrition and Health

Description:

Researchers study food consumption and preference patterns among statewide and national populations and the implications of such patterns for food purchasing and food safety issues in the food industry. Other work involves identifying family and social relationships that influence food consumption and nutritional status. Currently, research efforts are directed at an exploration of the effects of parenting style on nutrition-related risk factors associated with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, other related health factors such as the organization, availability, and utilization of immediate and long-term rural health care services, incidences of mortality and morbidity, nutrition and health education are also investigated.

Faculty:

Dr. Wm. Alex McIntosh, Professor
Dr. John K. Thomas, Professor

Rural Community and Economic Development

Description:

Research and Extension faculty conduct active programs in the development of rural community leaders and job-creation opportunities to assist rural communities in capacity building and improving their community employment, service and industrial bases.

Faculty:

Natural Resources and Environment Quality

Description:

Faculty conduct research and Extension programs on the implications of government policies and the behaviors and attitudes of the public and business and industry leaders regarding the productive, sustainable, and recreational uses of natural resources. Researchers also investigate issues regarding environmental quality, human health and safety risks, and patterns of environmental inequity among different socioeconomic groups in Texas and elsewhere.

Faculty:

Dr. John K. Thomas, Professor
Dr. James H. Gramann, Professor

Sociology of Rural Minorities

Description:

The Hispanic Research Program conducts research on the Hispanic population, disseminates information to decision makers on issues affecting Hispanic populations, provides training for undergraduate and graduate students in conducting applied and basic research in Hispanic communities, and provides a structure for collaborative research activities among social scientists with interests in the Hispanic population.

Faculty:

Dr. Wm. Alex McIntosh, Professor
Dr. John K. Thomas, Professor