Beyond the Rural Idyll: Images, countryside change and geography

This article contributes to the Conference theme of ‘Images in Geography’ by arguing that the effective analysis of imagery can help geographers to understand countryside change. It begins by examining the different ways in which geographers have sought to conceptualise rurality and notes that qualitative, subjective approaches have provided new perspectives on social change in rural areas. Readers are introduced to a methodology for analysing images and, using these techniques, the article examines images of rural places, products and people to provide an understanding of rural society and culture.