When it comes to the planning of public policies linked to the rural development, finding a definition of concepts of rural and urban environments and also of cooperative becomes essentially important. Considering that psychology has barely little contributed to the rural development, this study aimed at identifying the meanings which are socially given to the mentioned concepts. With a sample of 318 high school students from Paraíba (Brazil), it was observed that the rural construct conveyed meanings essentially related to the rural atmosphere; the urban environment was conceived as being the opposite of rural and the concept of cooperative carried a positive meaning, having within it words like 'help' and 'union'. Critical thoughts over the policies for the rural development are urged and so are further studies in the area which may contribute to clarify aspects related to the development of proposals for the rural environment in its totality. The review of some concepts is provided and also the evaluation of some government actions through public policies.
public policies; concepts; rural; urban; cooperative
