New Pioneers

New Pioneers, Volume 1, explores the complex sociological phenomenon of the back-to-the-land movement in North America. Author Jeffrey Carl Jacob examines how hundreds of thousands of urban residents have abandoned suburban lifestyles to pursue sustainable development and rural living. This sociology text investigates the motivations of various groups, including micro-farmers, country entrepreneurs, and purists, who seek to escape mainstream consumer culture. Through extensive interviews and case studies, the book analyzes how these individuals navigate the tension between self-reliant labor and the conveniences of a high-technology society.

The study provides a detailed look at urban-rural migration and the practical realities of sustainable agriculture. New Pioneers, Volume 1, investigates the use of appropriate technology, family labor divisions, and environmental activism within these small-scale communities. By documenting the triumphs and frustrations of these neo-homesteaders, Jacob offers a scholarly perspective on the preconditions necessary for translating sustainable living ideas into large-scale social action.