The future of social science integration in rangelands research

Researchers have studied human dimensions of rangelands since the earliest days US rangeland science, usually focusing only on white, male, English-speaking ranch owners. To address questions rural prosperity and collaborative management, social scientists Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network must turn their attention to perspectives, practices, experiences indigenous, non-Anglo, female, “new rural” stakeholders as well. Social science researchers can learn from scholars in related fields whose work is less often consulted including those working internationally with pastoral communities United States youth. Understanding these likely require broadening our conceptions what constitutes “knowledge,” a greater focus seeking just outcomes for full range people who depend upon lives livelihoods.