How do Schaller and Waldman define “rural consciousness,” and how does it shape the political and social identity of rural Americans? Use specific examples from the text to support your response.

Analyze the significance of the different classification schemes for rural areas used by federal agencies and researchers. How do these classifications influence the understanding of and policymaking for rural America?

Explore how the authors address the racial dynamics within rural America. How do rural white people’s attitudes differ from those of their rural non-white counterparts, and what implications do these differences have for US democracy?