In this paper we have tried to develop a theoretical and conceptual framework for analysing contemporary rural change. Initial results from a recent research project on changing lifestyles in rural Wales are used to investigate the potential contribution of regulation theory in rural research. The paper consists of four main sections. In the first and second sections, the main theoretical characteristics presented by a regulationist analysis of contemporary capitalist change are discussed in detail, stressing that regulation is a continuous but highly variable process. In the third section, some key findings from recent work on rural Wales—which highlights the cultural, social, and economic elements of change–are presented. In the fourth and concluding section we discuss the potential contribution which regulation theory might make to rural research, but in addition outline the ways in which an analysis of contemporary rural change might contribute to the continuing development of regulation theory. In particular, attention is drawn to several key issues which a regulationist account of rural change will have to consider.
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