Issues and Challenges of the American Rural South

Issues and Challenges of the American Rural South provides students with carefully selected readings that help them understand the unique social problems faced by inhabitants of the southern region of the United States.

Part I of the text features readings related to poverty issues in the South and their impact on marginalized individuals and groups. Part II examines health disparities and inequalities, including challenges faced by HIV-positive African Americans; education, self-rated health status, food insecurity, and depression among single mothers; and smoking behavior and cessation among rural and urban residents.

Parts III and IV explore the long-lasting impact of Hurricane Katrina and subsequent community development efforts. Part V addresses education issues including essential competencies and skills, post-university income attainment, and agriculturally related jobs.

The third edition features 10 new readings about conspiracy stories about the origin on AIDS, perceived barriers of access to care among African Americans living with HIV/AIDS in Alabama’s Black Belt, HIV/AIDS treatment conspiracies, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Black communities, psychosocial factors and racial disparities in health in rural Alabama, the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to remote learning at a HBCU, agricultural jobs and income among alumni from HBCUs, and more.

Issues and Challenges of the American Rural South is well suited for upper-division and graduate-level courses in rural sociology, race relations, and social problems and issues.