A New Generation of Scholars Challenges the Narrative of "White Rural Rage"
The political divide between urban and rural America has become increasingly pronounced in recent years, with rural voters consistently favoring Republicans. While numerous attempts have been made to explain this shift, a recent book titled "White Rural Rage" has sparked controversy and ignited a passionate response from a growing cohort of rural studies scholars. These scholars, many of whom come from rural backgrounds themselves, argue that the book perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misses the nuance of rural political identity. They contend that the book’s simplistic and sensationalized portrayal of rural Americans as prone to "rage" and political violence ignores the complex realities of life in rural communities and the legitimate concerns of its residents.
Key Takeaways:
- The rise of a new cohort of rural studies scholars: This group is challenging traditional narratives about rural America and advocating for more empathetic and nuanced analyses of rural politics.
- The controversy surrounding "White Rural Rage": Scholars criticize the book’s broad generalizations and its portrayal of rural Americans as a monolithic group driven by anger and resentment.
- The importance of understanding the unique experiences of rural communities: The scholars highlight the diverse experiences within rural America and emphasize the importance of understanding the factors driving rural voter preferences, such as economic anxieties and a strong sense of community.
The Growing Divide and the Search for Understanding
The emergence of a distinct rural-urban voting pattern in the late 1990s has intensified in recent years, with rural voters increasingly gravitating towards Republican candidates. In the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans secured a staggering 69 percent of the rural vote. This shift has prompted a renewed interest in understanding the political leanings of rural America.
However, the definition of "rural" itself remains elusive. While the Census Bureau uses population density as a primary criteria, it offers a simplistic view that fails to capture the social and economic diversity within rural communities. Scholars often face challenges in defining and accurately representing a group that spans a wide spectrum of demographics, economic conditions, and cultural experiences.
Beyond "What’s the Matter with Kansas?"
The debate over rural voting patterns has been dominated by a few influential works, including Thomas Frank’s 2004 book, "What’s the Matter with Kansas?." Frank argued that cultural issues like abortion and gun control had trumped economic concerns, leading rural voters to favor Republicans despite their potential economic disadvantages. While this theory gained popularity, it was met with resistance from some academics who felt it lacked a nuanced understanding of the complexities of rural life.
Scholars like Kathy Cramer, whose 2016 book "The Politics of Resentment" emerged as a counterpoint to Frank’s analysis, conducted extensive fieldwork in rural Wisconsin. Cramer’s research uncovered a different source of rural discontent: resentment towards perceived urban advantages and a feeling of being left behind by national and state policies. This resentment, she argued, fueled a distrust of government and a preference for candidates who promised limited intervention.
The Need for Nuance and Empathy
The authors of "White Rural Rage" argue that rural voters are more likely to excuse political violence and pose a threat to American democracy. This assertion, however, has been met with fierce criticism from scholars who argue it reinforces negative stereotypes and lacks reliable evidence. They contend that the book oversimplifies a complex issue and fails to acknowledge the diversity of experiences and perspectives within rural America.
Nick Jacobs, a political scientist at Colby College, criticizes the book for drawing sweeping conclusions based on limited data. He emphasizes the need for nuanced analysis, stating that "We contribute to the further denigration of expertise when we say, ‘This is what the experts say about these rubes and bumpkins.’"
He further argues that the book’s generalizations can undermine trust in academic research and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about rural Americans.
A Community-Focused Perspective
A growing body of research is starting to provide a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing rural voter behavior. Scholars like Dan Shea and Keith Orejel have conducted studies that highlight the importance of community ties and shared experiences in shaping rural political attitudes.
Jacobs and Shea, through their research on rural voters, have uncovered a significant emphasis on community well-being. They find that rural residents often prioritize their community’s prosperity over their own individual economic circumstances, reflecting a strong sense of shared fate. This sense of interconnectedness, particularly evident in smaller communities, can be missed by broader polls that focus solely on individual economic indicators.
Orejel’s research explores the historical context of rural America, focusing on the decline of agricultural jobs and its impact on the social and political landscape. He argues that the loss of jobs led to a sense of dependence on local businesses and a stronger influence of local business leaders in the political arena. This, in turn, contributed to support for anti-union laws and policies that favored business interests.
Bridging the Divide
The debate over "White Rural Rage" highlights the need for more nuanced and empathetic approaches to understanding rural America. Scholars who specialize in rural studies are increasingly vocal in advocating for a shift in perspective, moving away from simplistic narratives and focusing on the complex realities of life in these often-overlooked communities.
By acknowledging the unique challenges and perspectives of rural communities, and by engaging in respectful and insightful dialogue, we can begin to bridge the growing divide between urban and rural America. As scholars like Jacobs point out, "Resentment is rational, a reaction based on some sort of negative experience." Understanding the roots of this resentment is crucial for developing solutions and fostering greater understanding and empathy across the political and cultural landscape.
