Poverty In America's Rural Communities

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Poverty in America’s Rural Communities Liberty University Spring 2011 Abstract This paper discusses the intricacies of poverty in rural America. The main argument of the paper is that rural poverty differs from urban poverty on various levels. Researchers have provided documentation of the causes for rural poverty, one of which being spatial concentration. Various case studies have been conducted that provide evidence of the causes as well as solutions to the causes of persistent poverty in rural America. The author of this paper found that a great deal of rural poverty is caused by the lack of opportunities that are available in urban areas. Poverty in America’s Rural Communities According to Fisher (2007), “poverty rates have long been higher in nonmetropolitan than metropolitan areas” (p.56). Lichter & Johnson (2007) came to same general consensus in stating that the concentration of poverty has been historically higher in rural areas. Individuals who reside in nonmetropolitan areas have higher odds of being poor than their metropolitan counterparts. Persistently poor counties, or counties with poverty rates of 20 percent or more in each decennial census, have been mostly nonmetropolitan areas. Various factors, such as unemployment, underemployment or lack of sufficient education, have lead to individuals living impoverished lives. Many factors have been beyond their control. This paper serves to provide a more in depth look into the reasons why such is the case. The inquiry this paper serves to address is the causes for poverty remaining higher in rural areas. It has been hypothesized that issues such as spatial concentration, employment opportunities and educational attainments are some of the culprits to blame for the disproportionate rural poverty rates. Poverty in America For clarification purposes, all
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