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This chapter examines how the small town of Landaff, New Hampshire, has adapted to and withstood change over the last 50 years of the 20th century. It is a study of community persistence in the light of sometimes dramatic social, economic and cultural changes. This study examines Landaff's environment, agricultural and economic development, local perceptions of the community, residents' sense of place and belonging to the community, as well as the ways in which they define their community, and other social characteristics, including levels of social participation and interaction.

This chapter examines two images of Irwin, Iowa. The first is evoked by interviews with a number of older local residents who were in their prime in 1940 when a young rural sociologist named Ed Moe began his study of a typical midwestern agricultural community. The other image is drawn from Irwin's present and future, as seen through the eyes of other younger residents.

This chapter describes the most influential theory of community change that emerged during this period, namely, the 'Great Change' thesis. The accuracy of the thesis and its implications for community theory is assessed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of contemporary approaches to community and social change.