Delta State University

SOC/COD 521

Fall 2004

Writing Assignment No. 6

Due:  Monday, October 18

Instructions:  Prepare a two page essay on the topic identified below.  Be sure to develop an explanation or argument in your essay.

Topic:  The competition between farmers and suburban dwellers for the same lands sets up a classic conflict between economic development (of real estate) and conservation of natural and cultural amenities (open space, traditional values).  This conflict is illustrated in the video “Houses in the Fields” and the NY Times article “Battle of Farmer vs. Suburbanites Leads to a Big Stink.”

Choose one of the issues that created conflicts between farmers and suburbanites in the video and/or article, and discuss the conflict from the perspective of sustainable development.  Is this an intractable conflict, or is a “win-win” solution possible?  Explain.