🎻Appalachian Studies Unit 11 – Contemporary Appalachia: Society & Challenges

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Appalachia encompasses a geographic region that stretches from southern New York to northern Mississippi, including parts of 13 states
• The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) established by Congress in 1965 to address economic and social challenges in the region
• Appalachian culture characterized by strong family ties, self-reliance, and a deep connection to the land and its resources
• Stereotypes and misconceptions about Appalachia often perpetuated by media and popular culture, leading to stigmatization and marginalization of the region and its people
• Appalachian dialect and language distinct from other American English varieties, with unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns
• Traditional Appalachian music (bluegrass, old-time, and folk) has roots in the region's cultural heritage and continues to influence contemporary artists
• Appalachian cuisine known for its use of locally sourced ingredients, traditional recipes, and comfort foods (cornbread, soup beans, and apple stack cake)

Historical Context

• Appalachia's history shaped by the region's geography, natural resources, and the experiences of its diverse inhabitants, including Native Americans, European settlers, and African Americans
• The Industrial Revolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the exploitation of Appalachia's coal, timber, and other natural resources, often by outside interests
• The Great Depression of the 1930s had a severe impact on Appalachia, exacerbating poverty and economic hardship in the region
• The War on Poverty, launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, aimed to address the persistent poverty and underdevelopment in Appalachia through various federal programs and initiatives
• The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) established in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty to promote economic development and improve the quality of life in the region
  • The ARC has invested in infrastructure, education, health care, and other areas to support the region's growth and development
• The decline of the coal industry in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has had a significant impact on Appalachia's economy and communities, leading to job losses, population decline, and social challenges

Demographic Trends

• Appalachia is home to approximately 25 million people, with a population that is predominantly white but becoming increasingly diverse
• The region has experienced population loss in many rural areas due to outmigration, particularly among younger generations seeking employment and educational opportunities elsewhere
  • Between 2010 and 2020, 52 of the 420 counties in Appalachia experienced population decline, with some counties losing more than 10% of their population
• Appalachia has a higher proportion of older adults compared to the national average, with many communities facing challenges related to aging populations and access to healthcare and social services
• Educational attainment levels in Appalachia have historically lagged behind the national average, although there have been improvements in recent decades
  • In 2019, 86.5% of adults in Appalachia had a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to 88.6% nationally
  • The percentage of adults with a bachelor's degree or higher in Appalachia was 24.5%, compared to 32.1% nationally
• Poverty rates in Appalachia remain higher than the national average, with some counties experiencing persistent poverty for decades
  • In 2019, the poverty rate in Appalachia was 15.2%, compared to 12.3% nationally
• Health disparities in Appalachia are significant, with higher rates of chronic diseases, substance abuse, and mortality compared to the rest of the country

Economic Landscape

• Appalachia's economy has historically been based on natural resource extraction, particularly coal mining, which has shaped the region's development and identity
• The decline of the coal industry due to market forces, environmental regulations, and the rise of alternative energy sources has led to significant job losses and economic challenges in many Appalachian communities
  • Between 2005 and 2015, the region lost over 33,000 coal mining jobs, a decline of nearly 45%
• Economic diversification efforts in Appalachia have focused on sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology to create new employment opportunities and support sustainable growth
• Entrepreneurship and small business development have been identified as key strategies for economic revitalization in Appalachia, with initiatives aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering innovation
• Infrastructure investments, including broadband access, transportation networks, and water and sewer systems, are critical for attracting new businesses and supporting economic development in the region
• Workforce development programs and educational initiatives are essential for preparing Appalachian workers for the jobs of the future and ensuring that the region's labor force is competitive in a changing economy
• Regional economic development organizations, such as the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), play a crucial role in coordinating and supporting economic growth strategies across the region

Social and Cultural Dynamics

• Appalachian culture is characterized by strong family ties, self-reliance, and a deep connection to the land and its resources
• The region's cultural heritage is reflected in its music (bluegrass, old-time, and folk), art, crafts, and storytelling traditions, which continue to be celebrated and preserved by Appalachian communities
• Appalachian cuisine is known for its use of locally sourced ingredients, traditional recipes, and comfort foods (cornbread, soup beans, and apple stack cake), reflecting the region's agricultural heritage and cultural identity
• Religion plays a significant role in Appalachian culture, with many communities centered around churches and faith-based organizations that provide social support and community services
• Appalachian dialect and language are distinct from other American English varieties, with unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns that reflect the region's history and cultural influences
• Stereotypes and misconceptions about Appalachia, often perpetuated by media and popular culture, have led to stigmatization and marginalization of the region and its people
  • These stereotypes often portray Appalachians as backward, uneducated, and culturally isolated, obscuring the region's diversity and complexity
• Efforts to challenge and counteract these stereotypes have emerged in recent years, with Appalachian scholars, activists, and community leaders working to promote a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the region and its people

Environmental Concerns

• Appalachia's natural resources, including its forests, rivers, and mountains, are central to the region's identity, economy, and way of life
• The legacy of coal mining and other extractive industries has left a lasting impact on Appalachia's environment, with issues such as water pollution, air quality, and land degradation affecting many communities
  • Acid mine drainage from abandoned coal mines has contaminated thousands of miles of streams and rivers in the region, impacting aquatic life and drinking water sources
  • Mountaintop removal mining, a controversial practice that involves blasting away the tops of mountains to access coal seams, has led to deforestation, habitat loss, and increased risk of flooding and landslides
• Climate change poses significant risks to Appalachia, with the region experiencing more frequent and severe weather events, such as floods and droughts, that threaten communities and ecosystems
• Conservation and environmental protection efforts in Appalachia have focused on preserving the region's biodiversity, restoring degraded landscapes, and promoting sustainable land use practices
  • Organizations such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy have worked to protect and manage the region's natural resources for future generations
• The transition away from coal and towards clean energy sources presents both challenges and opportunities for Appalachia, with the potential for new jobs and economic growth in sectors such as renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Environmental justice concerns in Appalachia have gained increasing attention, with communities and activists advocating for greater accountability and transparency from industries and government agencies responsible for environmental harm

Political Issues

• Appalachia has a complex political landscape, with a mix of conservative and progressive values that reflect the region's diverse history and cultural influences
• The region has traditionally been a stronghold for the Democratic Party, particularly in the early to mid-20th century, when labor unions and New Deal policies held sway
  • However, in recent decades, many Appalachian states have shifted towards the Republican Party, driven in part by cultural and social issues, as well as the decline of traditional industries such as coal mining
• Political polarization and partisanship have become increasingly evident in Appalachia, mirroring national trends and contributing to a sense of division and mistrust among communities
• Issues such as gun rights, abortion, and immigration have become highly contentious in Appalachian politics, often overshadowing economic and social concerns that affect the region's communities
• The opioid epidemic has emerged as a major political issue in Appalachia, with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels grappling with how to address the crisis and its devastating impact on communities
• Voter suppression and disenfranchisement have been concerns in some Appalachian states, with allegations of restrictive voting laws, gerrymandering, and other tactics that limit political participation and representation
• Grassroots activism and community organizing have played a significant role in Appalachian politics, with movements focused on issues such as environmental justice, workers' rights, and social and economic equity

Current Challenges and Future Outlook

• Economic diversification and job creation remain top priorities for Appalachia, as the region seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable economy in the face of ongoing challenges
  • Efforts to attract new industries, support entrepreneurship, and invest in workforce development are critical for creating new opportunities and reducing the region's dependence on declining sectors such as coal mining
• The opioid epidemic continues to ravage many Appalachian communities, with high rates of addiction, overdose deaths, and related health and social problems
  • Addressing this crisis will require a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, treatment, and recovery support, as well as efforts to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to substance abuse
• Access to healthcare and social services is a persistent challenge in many Appalachian communities, particularly in rural areas where provider shortages, transportation barriers, and limited resources can hinder the delivery of care
  • Improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding telemedicine services, and supporting community health workers are among the strategies being pursued to address these disparities
• Educational attainment and workforce readiness remain critical issues for Appalachia's future, as the region seeks to prepare its residents for the jobs and opportunities of the 21st century
  • Investments in early childhood education, K-12 schools, and post-secondary institutions, as well as partnerships with employers and industry groups, are essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce
• Infrastructure development, including broadband access, transportation networks, and water and sewer systems, is crucial for supporting economic growth and improving quality of life in Appalachian communities
  • Efforts to expand broadband coverage, upgrade aging infrastructure, and invest in new projects are underway across the region, with support from federal, state, and local partners
• Environmental sustainability and climate resilience are becoming increasingly important considerations for Appalachia's future, as the region grapples with the impacts of climate change and the need to transition to a clean energy economy
  • Balancing the protection of natural resources with the development of new industries and economic opportunities will be a key challenge for Appalachian communities in the years ahead
• Addressing persistent poverty, inequality, and social justice issues will be essential for building a more equitable and inclusive future for Appalachia
  • This will require sustained efforts to confront systemic barriers, empower marginalized communities, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth and development are shared more broadly across the region