Poverty and housing precariousness in rural areas under the lens of social resilience. Revealing societal implications of lived experiences of rural poverty

Abstract

Poverty and housing precariousness are largely overlooked in rural studies. Cultural stereotypes of happier, healthier and frugal rural life, strong community ties and solidarity have idealized the rural as a locus of resilience, concealing poverty that several groups are facing. This article presents the results and societal impact of the POVE.R.RE. research project in Greece. By shedding light on three predominantly rural- case study- areas, with different socio-geographic contexts and using mixed methods and participatory approach, the research aims at highlighting all factors contributing to poverty, deprivation and housing insecurity. The different profiles of rural poor, the lived experiences of deprivation but also coping strategies are articulated. Evidence supports the declining small-medium family farms suffering from economic crisis, climate change, and energy poverty. Increased inequalities, housing precariousness and higher living cost due to land deprivation, urban sprawl, and tourism gentrification also contribute to rural poverty. Informal and short-term family networks and sporadic bottom-up initiatives are filling public services gaps and limited policies. The overall social impact of the project (albeit recent) is the fact that reveals the complexity and hidden forms of rural poverty, challenges public narratives and highlights the need for localized rural welfare policies beyond the “benefits trap".