Movin’ On Up? The Role of Growing Up Rural in Shaping Why Working-Class Men Do—and Don’t—Seek to Improve Their Labor-Market Prospects

Based on interviews with sixty-one working-class men in rural Pennsylvania, this article explores the ways which rural, do—and do not—seek to improve their labor-market positions by getting additional education or training, moving, taking gender-atypical jobs. The evidence presented shows that are making many efforts position, but there misunderstandings about why they adopt strategies do. In particular, deep identification place provides meaning and attachment also constrains how seek prospects.