Washington&rsquo\;s rural communities are rapidly changing. Formerly reliant on working-class industries like mining \, oil\, and agriculture\, an influx of wealthy urbanites are looking for a different kind of experience that includes natural amenities\, outdoor r ecreation\, and cultural activities. But in doing so\, these newcomers are causing new inequalities.
\nJoin Jennifer Sherman\, professor of so ciology\, to discuss both the glaring and the hidden effects of rural gent rification. Through the lens of a rural Washington community\, Sherman exp lains how &ldquo\;class blindness&rdquo\; protects those with more privile ge from fully recognizing social class inequalities. She advocates for the importance of getting to know the neighbors who are least like us so that we can minimize destructive social divides together.
\nJennifer She rman (she/her) is a professor of sociology at Washington State University. Her qualitative research focuses on poverty and inequality\, mainly in th e rural Northwest. She is the author of two books\, the most recent of whi ch is titled Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing A merican Dream (2021)\, and the coeditor of the 2017 volume\, Rura l Poverty in the United States.
\nSherman lives in Moscow\, Ida ho.
\nThis talk is presented in partnership with \;The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service\, \;which educat es citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affa irs and is based at Washington State University. For more information\, vi sit \;The Foley Institute&rsquo\;s website.
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