Rural Poverty: Special Causes and Policy Reforms

(Hardback)

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This volume takes the unexplored and timely approach of studying the differences between the rural and urban poor. The studies presented conclude that rural poverty is more likely than its urban counterpart to be caused by inadequate unemployment compensation, rising unemployment, depression in the agricultural sector (the farm crisis), and discriminatory welfare regulations. As well as establishing the differences, the contributors elucidate the alternate strategies necessary to reach this less visible but equally needy group. They also suggest alternate reforms designed to mitigate poverty in rural America. Inequitable treatment of the rural poor is evidenced by the fact that although, by conventional measures at least, poverty rates are higher in rural than in urban regions of this country, the rural poor are far less likely to receive assistance. One significant reason is that the rural poor are more often employed and more likely to have assets that make them ineligible for benefits. This is only one of several indications that rural poverty requires specifically tailored programs to address its unique causes and problems. The work begins with an examination of ways of measuring poverty and goes on to look at the utilization of welfare programs. Two essays are then devoted to the role of the labor force. The work concludes with three approaches to reform. An index and a bibliography complete the volume, which will provide fresh research and insights for courses in poverty, rural sociology, and rural economic development.

Reviews

These seven extensive and well-developed articles fill an important research void that has long perplexed scholars and policymakers alike--determining the essential differences between urban and rural poverty. Besides explaining the differences, the authors, many of whom are among the most experienced and capable academics within the agricultural/rural policy community, examine the implications of these distinctions for rural America and suggest policy reforms that provide action on behalf of rural residents. To their credit, the editors have made certain that each contribution addresses rural uniqueness, implications, and reform and that the articles were linked to one another and together contributed insightfully to collective knowledge about the rural poor and what the poor mean to rural economies. Also useful is the mix of methodological approaches for each analysis. Five of the seven are excellent empirical analyses, another provides comparative models. All share rigorous attention to detail and the purposes of the book. The findings show that rural poverty is felt as intensely as in central cities, that the rural poor do not receive assistance benefits comparable to the poor elsewhere, and that rural poverty is caused by employment conditions--such as agriculture--not found in urban areas. The editors also conclude that rural economies are, in general, poorly structured to alleviate any of the three conditions, a factor that necessitates national policy reform as well as local action. Upper-division undergraduates and above.-Choice
"These seven extensive and well-developed articles fill an important research void that has long perplexed scholars and policymakers alike--determining the essential differences between urban and rural poverty. Besides explaining the differences, the authors, many of whom are among the most experienced and capable academics within the agricultural/rural policy community, examine the implications of these distinctions for rural America and suggest policy reforms that provide action on behalf of rural residents. To their credit, the editors have made certain that each contribution addresses rural uniqueness, implications, and reform and that the articles were linked to one another and together contributed insightfully to collective knowledge about the rural poor and what the poor mean to rural economies. Also useful is the mix of methodological approaches for each analysis. Five of the seven are excellent empirical analyses, another provides comparative models. All share rigorous attention to detail and the purposes of the book. The findings show that rural poverty is felt as intensely as in central cities, that the rural poor do not receive assistance benefits comparable to the poor elsewhere, and that rural poverty is caused by employment conditions--such as agriculture--not found in urban areas. The editors also conclude that rural economies are, in general, poorly structured to alleviate any of the three conditions, a factor that necessitates national policy reform as well as local action. Upper-division undergraduates and above."-Choice

Author Bio

HARRELL R. RODGERS, JR., is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston. He is a policy analyst who specializes in poverty. GREGORY WEIHER is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston. He is a policy analyst who specializes in political economics.