Member-only story

The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide

Casey Bell

·17.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots Of The Urban Rural Political Divide

5 min read · 2 weeks before

1k View Claps

94 Respond

Save

Listen

The urban-rural divide is one of the most significant political fault lines in the United States today. Urban areas tend to vote Democratic, while rural areas tend to vote Republican. This divide has been growing wider in recent years, and it is now one of the most important factors in American politics.

There are a number of reasons for the urban-rural divide. Some of these reasons are demographic, while others are economic, cultural, geographic, and historical.

Demographics

Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide

by Jonathan Rodden

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35731 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages

One of the most important factors in the urban-rural divide is demographics. Urban areas are more diverse than rural areas, and they have a higher proportion of young people, minorities, and immigrants. These groups tend to vote Democratic. Rural areas, on the other hand, are more white and older, and they have a lower proportion of immigrants. These groups tend to vote Republican.

Economics

The economy is another important factor in the urban-rural divide. Urban areas are more economically developed than rural areas, and they have a higher concentration of jobs and businesses. Rural areas, on the other hand, are more dependent on agriculture and natural resources, and they have a higher rate of poverty. These economic differences lead to different political priorities. Urban voters tend to support policies that promote economic growth and job creation, while rural voters tend to support policies that protect traditional industries and lifestyles.

Culture

Culture is also a factor in the urban-rural divide. Urban areas are more culturally diverse than rural areas, and they have a more vibrant arts and entertainment scene. Rural areas, on the other hand, tend to be more traditional and conservative. These cultural differences lead to different political values. Urban voters tend to be more tolerant of social change and diversity, while rural voters tend to be more traditional and conservative.

Geography

Geography is another factor that contributes to the urban-rural divide. Urban areas are located near major transportation hubs, which makes them more accessible to goods, services, and information. Rural areas, on the other hand, are often located far from major transportation hubs, which makes them more isolated and less accessible. This geographic isolation leads to different political perspectives. Urban voters tend to be more connected to the outside world and more aware of global issues, while rural voters tend to be more focused on local issues and concerns.

History

The urban-rural divide has a long history in the United States. The first major divide between urban and rural voters occurred in the late 19th century, when the Populist Party emerged as a powerful force in rural areas. The Populists were a populist movement that advocated for economic reforms that would benefit farmers and other rural Americans. The Populists were largely unsuccessful in their efforts, but they laid the foundation for the modern urban-rural divide.

The urban-rural divide continued to grow in the 20th century. During the New Deal era, Franklin Roosevelt's policies favored urban voters over rural voters. This led to a further alienation of rural voters from the Democratic Party. In the 1960s and 1970s, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War further widened the urban-rural divide. Urban voters tended to support these movements, while rural voters tended to oppose them.

The urban-rural divide has continued to grow in recent years. The rise of the Tea Party movement in 2010 was largely a reaction to the perceived dominance of urban voters in American politics. The Tea Party movement has advocated for a number of policies that would benefit rural voters, such as tax cuts and deregulation.

The urban-rural divide is a complex issue with deep roots in demographics, economics, culture, geography, and history. It is one of the most significant political fault lines in the United States today, and it is likely to continue to be a major factor in American politics for years to come.

Why Cities Lose: The Deep Roots of the Urban-Rural Political Divide

by Jonathan Rodden

4.4 out of 5