Discussion: The Need for a Systems Approach to Rural Development Research

Critique of Theorizing In Studies of Manufacturing Expansion In Rural Areas

“…Almost all of the research done in this area has Stanfield and Heffernan 51 been oriented away from the direct development of theory, although it has been strongly oriented toward sound inductive work and program evaluation within relatively narrow lines [Tyner, 1974]. As Long (1974) has noted, the practical value of theory would be to enhance the ability to include the right variables in research and in policy discussions. The' 'abstract empiricist" emphasis has not been a mistake, in that, good theory depends on sound empirical knowledge, but thorough understanding requires well organized theory.…”