TY - CHAP AB - 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. VL - 34 SN - 978-1-78560-180-4, 978-1-78560-181-1/0278-1204 DO - 10.1108/S0278-120420150000034009 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/S0278-120420150000034009 AU - Leebrick Rhiannon A. PY - 2015 Y1 - 2015/01/01 TI - Rural Gentrification and Growing Regional Tourism: New Development in South Central Appalachia T2 - States and Citizens: Accommodation, Facilitation and Resistance to Globalization T3 - Current Perspectives in Social Theory PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 215 EP - 234 Y2 - 2024/04/19 ER -