Hollowing Out the Middle

Hollowing Out the Middle Patrick Carr talked about the book he co-wrote, Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What it Means for America (Beacon Press; October 1, 2009). In the book the authors reported their research in a small Iowa town where the exodus of the most educated young people threatens the future of such towns and of small-town life in America. Also, the large-scale departure of the young people leaves behind a largely immigrant, segregated population taking the low-paying jobs, making small middle-American towns look more and more like inner cities. He also responded to questions from members of the audience at this event at the Sumner Public Library at 7:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.

Patrick J. Carr is an associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. He is also the author of Clean Streets. close