Using Dodge County, Georgia, as a case study, Peggy Barlett reveals consumerism, individualism, and short-term decision making as the greatest threats to the family farm.

""This book is of value not only to students of agriculture and rural sociology but also to city dwellers attempting to understand the lure and frustration of family farming.--Choice

""An excellent, well-written study that substantially expands our understanding of connections between the micro level of households and the macro level of cultural trends.--American Journal of Sociology