Why Hillbillies Matter in Social Studies

In 2016, J. D. Vance, a previously unknown author, surprisingly hit the bestseller’s list with his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. However, historically scholars have pushed back against the stereotypes that Vance portrays and have argued for a narrative that embraces the diversity of the Appalachian region. Using content analysis, this research study investigated the frequency and context of key terms related to Appalachia across the K-12 social studies standards of states labeled as being part of the region by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Results illustrate the lack of inclusion of these terms and that, when included, they do not represent the rich history or culture of the region. These results suggest that researchers, teacher educators, and teachers should consider the ways in which standards define curriculum on topics such as Appalachia and how these definitions interact with the powerful narratives being portrayed within our mainstream democracy. Guidance and suggestions for disrupting Appalachian stereotypes within social studies education are provided.