West Virginia "By Heart and By Choice:" Narratives on Rurality, Poverty, and Musical Engagement
Open Access
- Author:
- Eldreth, James
- Graduate Program:
- Music Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- May 09, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Ann Clements, Chair of Committee
Sarah Watts, Major Field Member & Dissertation Advisor
Robert Gardner, Program Head/Chair
Eric Mckee, Outside Field Member
James Johnson, Outside Unit Member - Keywords:
- Rural
Rurality
Poverty
Musical Engagement
Community Music
Narrative Inquiry
Conflict Theory - Abstract:
- The definitions of rurality and poverty are somewhat ambiguous among researchers within the social sciences. Although not all rural areas experience high poverty rates, there are rural areas that do exhibit significant concentrations of poverty. The topic of poverty is frequently absent from discussions about rurality. Conversely, discussions of poverty rarely include rural areas. Acknowledging and understanding the connections between poverty and rurality can empower communities to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources to help all families meet basic needs. The purpose of this study was to explore how self-reported experiences and perceptions of rural life, poverty, and musical engagement intersect for individuals living in West Virginia. To better understand both rurality and poverty, as well as connections between the two, it is essential to understand the individuals experiencing rurality and poverty daily. The participants in this study include residents and educators from impoverished rural communities in West Virginia. Data for this study were gathered through semi-structured interviews, observations, and participatory activity over the course of five days. In learning the life stories of the participants, the three themes that emerged were rurality, poverty, and musical engagement. Discussions concentrated on participants’ personal definitions and experiences concerning rurality and poverty, while dialogue regarding musical engagement covered individual and community musical needs, experiences, and aspirations. The study revealed that participants held diverse definitions and experiences relating to rurality, poverty, and musical engagement. The participants discussed rurality in terms of environmental characteristics, deficit viewpoints, and locations in relation to larger cities. The topic of poverty included discussions about lack of infrastructure, business closures, lack of access to healthcare, housing insecurity, lack of transportation, food insecurity, lack of jobs, financial insecurity, and lack of educational opportunities. To varying degrees, most participants engaged in musical activities when provided the opportunity and some participants personally identified as being musicians. A majority of the participants expressed a desire for additional musical after-school programs, camps, and classes, as well as consistent music teachers to provide opportunities for students to experience various instruments, genres, and cultures. Other desires included grant funding for private lessons and the creation of a network of community music resources. Further research is necessary to understand the extent and impact of musical engagement at the intersection of poverty and rurality.