Rural Poverty in America

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Nine million people in the United States live in rural poverty. This large segment of the population has generally been overlooked even as considerable attention, and social conscience, is directed to the alleviation of urban poverty. This volume focuses on poor people in rural settings. Rural poverty is not confined to one section of the country or to one ethnic group. It is a national problem and the resolution of hidden America's persistent economic plight will now depend on a better understanding of who is poor and why. The chapters describe the declining opportunities available in rural areas including the social, educational, and political factors that so often pose barriers to economic advancement. Part one provides a comprehensive description of the poor population and an analysis of rural poverty's underlying dynamics. Low wages, the character of rural labour markets, and chronic inter-generational poverty are considered to lay the basis for formulating responses. Part two looks at the condition of particular groups suffering poverty in rural areas. These include African-Americans, Appalachians, native Americans, and migrant workers. It addresses the special problems of those who, although in relatively prosperous rural areas, live at or below the poverty level. Part three looks at successful lessons from the past and evaluates current steps that may be taken to frame policy recommendations that will mitigate present stress, foster improved opportunities, and open a better life to America's rural poor.

Reviews

This book has merit both as a research resource and as a teaching tool. It contains useful literature reviews, and the empirical analyses make original contributions to understanding the spatial configuration of poverty in the United States. As a teaching tool, it is a valuable resource for undergraduate courses dealing with inequality and is also appropriate for graduate-level courses. For social scientists interested in rural poverty, this book is a must.-American Journal of Sociology
"This book has merit both as a research resource and as a teaching tool. It contains useful literature reviews, and the empirical analyses make original contributions to understanding the spatial configuration of poverty in the United States. As a teaching tool, it is a valuable resource for undergraduate courses dealing with inequality and is also appropriate for graduate-level courses. For social scientists interested in rural poverty, this book is a must."-American Journal of Sociology

Author Bio

CYNTHIA M. DUNCAN is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of New Hampshire. She researches and writes extensively on poverty in rural America, with special interest in Appalachia, the Delta, and northern New England.