Persistently poor, left-behind and chronically disconnected

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which persistent poverty areas represent a compelling sub-category of left-behind areas. It asks why places collectively tend to have a much harder time climbing out of poverty than people do individually, and it explores three ways in which places struggling with persistent poverty exhibit disconnection from the broader economy: commuting patterns, social networks and job growth. The concept of disconnection can partially explain why the challenges of persistent poverty or being ‘left-behind’ tend not to resolve themselves naturally. The concept also provides direction for a policy agenda centred around restoring social and economic ties that have deteriorated over time.