On the Urban-Rural Divide

Presenter: Howard H. Chen

Faculty Sponsor: Ray Kinoshita Mann

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Architecture and Urban Planning

Session: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM, 163, C6

ABSTRACT

In America, the economic urban-rural divide increased in the late twentieth century and has continued growing since then. This thesis paper will examine the nature of this divide by focusing on three primary factors: sociocultural differences, economic disparities, and racial conditions. I will evaluate which of these three factors is the dominant contributor to the urban-rural divide.

I will perform a literature review on the subject in each of the three areas. In addition, I will do research on the history of the urban/rural divide as an idea, and how past events and attitudes may be continuing to impact the present. I will analyze quantitative data such as demographic analysis and polls, as well as relevant qualitative information that helps us understand the urban-rural divide in greater detail, including whether it truly exists.

The urban-rural divide is seen as a major political division at present, and thus it would be helpful to have a more accurate picture of what it is and what forces may be exacerbating division. Having a better idea of what is happening with the urban-rural divide may help people from urban and rural areas better understand the current situation that we find ourselves in and potentially understand each other better. Based on my findings, I will also recommend measures that could be taken to decrease the polarization that exists between the cities and the countryside. 

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