Item Detail
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11574
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0
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0
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English
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Bureaucratization and Social Change in Rural, Agricultural Communities : Sevier, Utah, 1900-1913
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Salt Lake City, UT
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University of Utah
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Ph.D. diss.
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"This work applies the organizational synthesis to a case study of change in rural, agriculturally-based communities during the first three decades of the twentieth century. The model posits that large-scale systems, characterized by bureaucratic hierarchies and run by managerial elites, form in response to a growing drive for efficiency and profitability. Since decision-making and control are concentrated at the top of such systems, a fundamental aspect of this process is diminution of local autonomy, accompanied by increasing influence of extra-regional bodies. The study's significance is twofold. First, it examines the degree of systematization in seldom-considered small, rural communities such as those of Sevier County, Utah. Second, penetration by extra-local agencies is viewed in totality, avoiding traditional narrow political or economic focus. Interaction of proliferating agencies and cumulative impact upon the region become significant concerns. This study demonstrates that penetration by large-scale systems occurred rapidly and thoroughly and was in motion well before the New Deal policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt took effect, contrary to popular conception. Communities with a local or, at most, regional focus at the turn of the century became thoroughly oriented toward the national scene by the second decade. This redirection came about largely as a result of the incursion of such systems. Residents actively sought and supported entry of these organizations into their area. Development of transportation and communications networks encouraged the presence of business and industry, seen as primary agents of progress. Radio and motion pictures, representatives of mass culture, signalled ascendance of outside standards and introduced potential elements of social disruption. As the impact of extra-local forces became pervasive, special interest groups arose to counter their influence. By 1930, even the smallest communities experienced the impact of organizational change. Most results were welcomed; some caused concern and sparked response. Examples include the Farm Bureau's effort to halt consolidation of county schools and increased taxation for civic improvements. Such unsuccessful attempts to counter actions by corporate entities unfavorable to local interests demonstrated increasing loss of local autonomy." [Author's abstract]