Title: When the Going Gets Tough: Economic Reality and the Cultural Myths of Small-Town America
Abstract:Abstract Until the early 20th century the small town was the most common form of social organization experienced by Americans. Though few Americans today have had that experience, their idealized imag...Abstract Until the early 20th century the small town was the most common form of social organization experienced by Americans. Though few Americans today have had that experience, their idealized image of the traditional small town still defines their notions of community and social relationships. The result is an unintentional, collective self-deception in which people mistake their real communities for those of American myth. The deception has serious implications for the practice of planning in small towns. This article is a case study of one such community, a single-industry small town that sees itself as a traditional town. We first describe the history and economy of the community and then explore its culture and community ideology and their implications for planning there and in similar communities.Read More
Publication Year: 1986
Publication Date: 1986-12-31
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 21
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