In the framework of a brief reconstruction of the origin and development of Italian rural sociology, the paper presents a review of studies published in the last 40 years in the journal Sociologia Urbana e Rurale. The evolution of different approaches is discussed with reference to main areas of interest which include community studies, rural urban relations, rural development and innovation, agro-food networks, sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
Keywords: Rural sociology, community studies, rural develoment, sustainable agriculture, agrofood networks, food sovereignty.