Idas y vueltas en el desarrollo ruralde la diversificación de las economías locales a lo rural como categoría económica global

Abstract

Rurality has been traditionally defined as a close, static and subordinate reality. This picture, however, is no longer accurate. Spanish countryside has been transformed, diversified and has become increasingly complex. From the economic and labour market points of view, it can be argued that Spanish rurality has get rid of territorial burdens, while localism has increased at the same time; furthermore, Spanish rurality has become more global and homogeneous in some aspects, but more diverse in others. Therefore, this article looks at the consequences of desagrarization and restructuring processes that have taken place within Spanish rurality. It also takes into account the territorial approaches of public policies. Finally, it considers the embeddedness and strengthening of symbolic values within Spanish rural economy.