Rural Gentrification and Growing Regional Tourism: New Development in South Central Appalachia

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter provides theoretical conceptualizations to (1) better understand the phenomenon of rural gentrification and (2) the links between rural gentrification and regional tourism development, using a case study in south central Appalachia.

Methodology/approach

This ethnographic study relies on the results of a series of interviews and instances of participant observation.

Findings

Affluent newcomers often implement development projects through the injection of private capital into public-seeming projects like community-based organizations (CBOs). These projects offer partial solutions to the problem of failing local economies. However, they also have the potential to reinforce class structures and push narrowly perceived development processes.

Practical implications

A critical evaluation of rural gentrification may be useful to CBOs and local governments leading development projects in rural areas.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of rural gentrification warrants critical examination of current development agendas being proposed or implemented.

Citation

Leebrick, R.A. (2015), "Rural Gentrification and Growing Regional Tourism: New Development in South Central Appalachia", States and Citizens: Accommodation, Facilitation and Resistance to Globalization (Current Perspectives in Social Theory, Vol. 34), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 215-234. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0278-120420150000034009