New Books Network Emily Walton, "Homesick: Race and Exclusion in Rural New England" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Jan 16, 2026
Emily Walton, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Dartmouth College, explores the dynamics of race and inclusion in rural New England. She discusses the challenges faced by educated migrants of color, highlighting the concept of misrecognition, where white residents fail to acknowledge their value in the community. Walton details the socio-economic divides in the Upper Valley, the explicit racism newcomers endure, and the resulting feelings of homesickness. She also shares insights on coping strategies and offers recommendations for fostering a more inclusive environment.
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Physician's Quiet Rejection
- Dr. Sanvi moved to the Upper Valley as a physician expecting a welcoming rural life but faced subtle exclusion from patients and childcare staff.
- Small slights, like callers hanging up when she spoke with an Indian accent, accumulated until she doubted making the area her home.
Diverging Fortunes Within A Small Region
- The Upper Valley shows diverging rural fortunes: affluent college towns and struggling former mill towns coexist within short distances.
- Racialized demographic change overlays existing class divides, shaping local tensions around who belongs.
The Town Report Meme Backlash
- A Stratton town clerk used an unwelcoming meme on the annual report cover and faced backlash, revealing local resistance to newcomers.
- Such incidents exemplify how humor and messaging enforce expectations that newcomers should assimilate.
