Abstract

Rethinking Rural America

Rural living has been a massive part of America since it’s formation. Rural America is well known for having an agricultural impact globally, offering safe environments for families as well as wildlife, and opportunities to prosper. Over time however, many factors have changed causing rural America to lose its appeal to some, while being a harder dream to acquire for others. The small hometown is rather on the verge of extinction. This paper will present the factors that must be recognized, considered, and ultimately resolved in order to keep America’s rural communities not only present, but thriving once again.

To begin, one must first be cognizant that the actual population of rural communities in America is dwindling. This paper will attempt to identify why this is the current reality for these towns that were for many years offering so much to the people that resided there, as well as to the neighboring towns. If these issues are not addressed, it is not reaching to say that the number of residents in these areas will only continue to decrease until they are sparce at best. Prevention is always the best course of action, but we can not prevent further decline until we peel back the many layers of the cause.

Perhaps surprisingly, we will even examine lessons learned from Metropolitan areas that also have struggled, yet overcome some similar problematic issues. We will discuss preventing overpopulation, water run-off, heat sinks, food scarcity, and crime rates that all play a role in the struggle of Metro areas. We will take an in depth look at each factor and present research that indicates just how these issues have taken a toll on the people inhabiting these areas, as well as the planet itself. Many factors seemingly began as emergency or short-term problems (e.g., pollution) have led to unexpected long-term ramifications.

After presenting the issues at hand, we will map out an encouraging set of steps that can be taken to begin the rebuilding of Rural America. Although the issues are great, there are numerous ways that these communities can take steps to rejuvenate their towns and those that reside in them. Although this great rebuilding will not be easy or quick, it is more than possible, and a project worthy of deep investment. After all, Rural America was built on hard work in the first place.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2023

Senior Project Advisor

Mr. George Barton

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Commerce & Leadership

Document Type

Thesis - Murray State Access only

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