Skip to content
Report

Perceptions & Misperceptions: An Analysis of Qualitative Research Exploring Views of Rural America

This report demonstrates that to the extent possible, rural problems should be discussed within a broader national system indicating causes and consequences.
Author(s)
Meg Bostrom
Published
November 12, 2003
Download

This report distills the main findings from a series of focus groups, carried out in three different regions of the country. In sum, to build support for rural policies among urban residents, urban residents must first feel a sense of connection with rural areas. This connection needs to be more than fond memories of childhood or vacation. It needs to be based on the perception of mutual well-being, a shared fate. Therefore, advocates should not characterize rural areas or rural problems as separate or isolated. Instead, communications needs to reinforce that rural and urban areas are interdependent—what is good for one is good for all. To the extent possible, rural problems should be discussed within a broader national system indicating causes and consequences.