Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America

In 2001, with funding from the MacArthur Foundation, sociologists Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas moved to Iowa to understand the rural brain drain and the exodus of young people from America's countryside. Articles and books--notably Richard Florida's The Rise of the Creative Class--celebrate the migration of highly productive and creative workers to key cities. But what happens to the towns that they desert, and to the people who are left behind?

“"Written in an easily accessible style for the lay reader, this volume is filled with their observations of life in a rural community that is just "hanging on," and stories from the young adults they met."- Journal of Rural Social Sciences”

“Written in an easily accessible style for the lay reader, this volume is filled with their observations of life in a rural community that is just “hanging on,” and stories from the young adults they met.”
—Journal of Rural Social Sciences

“An intriguing new book . . . [They] argue that it will take more than just free land initiatives to reverse rural America’s brain drain.”
—Christina Gillham, Newsweek
 
“A fascinating study that brilliantly describes and analyzes the problems of rural towns in America that are emptying out.”
—William Julius Wilson, Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor, Harvard University
 
“The authors present a brave and daunting examination of why the most talented, the most productive young people leave our small towns. . . . This book is so generative, so fiercely compelling . . . I urge you to read it.”
—Mildred Armstrong Kalish, author of Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression

“The undoing of Middle America is the great secret tragedy of our times. For shining a bright, unwavering light on the unfolding disaster, Carr and Kefalas deserve enormous credit.”
—Thomas Frank, author of What’s the Matter with Kansas?

“Deft and detailed case studies bring the population to life . . . The authors alert readers to this major change with clarity and compassion.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
“A worthy contribution to a conversation we desperately need to have.”
—Bill Kauffman, Wall Street Journal
 
“Deftly researched and written, this book is highly recommended for sociologists, educators, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the future of this country.”
—Library Journal, starred review

Patrick J. Carr is associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and the author of Clean Streets. Maria J. Kefalas is a professor of sociology at Saint Joseph's University, the author of Working-Class Heroes, and coauthor of Promises I Can Keep. The authors live outside Philadelphia.

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