White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy

Schaller and Waldman highlight broadband internet access as a crucial infrastructure need in rural America. The lack of high-speed internet in these areas exacerbates economic and educational disparities. Schaller and Waldman discuss how limited access to broadband impacts rural communities, hindering their ability to participate in the modern economy and access essential services.

The authors describe cultural elites as individuals or groups perceived to have significant influence over cultural norms and values, often residing in urban areas. This term functions in the book to illustrate the divide between rural and urban America. The authors examine how resentment toward cultural elites fuels political and social divides, as rural populations feel alienated and marginalized by the dominant cultural narrative.

Economic opportunity in the context of White Rural Rage refers to the availability of jobs, education, and upward mobility. The authors analyze how the decline in economic opportunities in rural areas contributes to political discontent and supports the rise of populism. They argue that without substantial economic opportunities, rural Americans are left vulnerable to political manipulation and despair.

Electoral power is the influence that rural voters wield in the US political system, often disproportionate to their population size. Schaller and Waldman highlight how rural areas, through mechanisms like the Electoral College and Senate representation, maintain significant political power. This term is crucial to understanding how rural interests shape national policies and elections, despite the demographic shifts toward urbanization.

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that includes agricultural subsidies and food stamp funding. In White Rural Rage, the authors discuss the Farm Bill to show the complexity of rural policymaking and the conflicting interests within rural constituencies. The authors detail how politicians like Chip Roy oppose certain aspects of the Farm Bill, reflecting broader ideological stances on government spending and welfare.

Media representation refers to how the national media portrays rural America. Schaller and Waldman explore the stereotypes and narratives that dominate media coverage of rural areas. They argue that these representations influence public perception and policy, often to the detriment of nuanced understanding and effective solutions for rural issues.

A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is a geographical region with a high population density and close economic ties throughout the area. The authors use this term to discuss how different classifications can impact the understanding and funding of rural versus urban areas. Changes in MSA definitions can alter political and economic landscapes, influencing where resources are allocated.

Populism is a political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people against the elite. In the book, the authors examine populism as a driving force behind the political movements gaining traction in rural America. Schaller and Waldman argue that populist rhetoric often exploits the economic and cultural grievances of rural populations to garner support while offering simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Rural consciousness describes the identity and belief system prevalent among rural Americans, which persists even when they move to urban areas. This consciousness includes values such as self-reliance, skepticism of government, and a strong sense of community. The authors use this concept to explain how rural identity shapes political behavior and social attitudes, contributing to the rural-urban divide.

Suburbanization refers to the process of population movement from urban areas to the suburbs. The authors discuss suburbanization in the context of changing political dynamics and demographic shifts. They highlight how suburban growth can impact rural communities, both economically and politically, by altering the landscape of local and national elections.

The urban-rural divide is a central theme, referring to the significant differences in economic conditions, political preferences, and cultural values between urban and rural areas. Schaller and Waldman critique how this divide shapes American politics, contributing to polarization and affecting policy decisions. They portray this divide as both a cause and effect of the broader social and economic trends discussed in the book.