Invisibility: Rural Poverty in Appalachia

Abstract

In this senior thesis, I investigate rural American poverty through studying Appalachia. My purpose was to investigate economic, structural, and cultural factors that contribute to deep poverty in Appalachia and to examine how they intermingle with one another. I conducted my research through a multi-methods approach, including analysis of existing data, ethnography, and a series of investigative talks with both community leaders and everyday citizens.