This thesis explores some of the narratives, and strands of thinking influencing rural development and revitalization efforts today. Following qualitative interviews with relevant experts and...Show moreThis thesis explores some of the narratives, and strands of thinking influencing rural development and revitalization efforts today. Following qualitative interviews with relevant experts and practitioners from three case studies, five different narratives were uncovered through thematic analysis: Lifestyle Migration, Landscape Restoration, Biocultural Heritage, Rural Equity, and Agricultural Innovation. Each narrative was described in terms of its distinct concerns, knowledge bases, change concepts, and desired outcomes to offer a comparison between their approaches and worldviews. Rather than providing a definitive account of the different strands of thinking in rural development, this investigation offers a detailed account of the perspectives and narratives influencing rural development to help practitioners and policymakers better understand opposing perspectives, ultimately aiding in the process of coalitions and consensus buildingShow less