Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
The 2016 publication of “Hillbilly Elegy” remains relevant for two reasons: Its insights into the struggles of the working class and the political prominence of its author, J. D. Vance, the Vice President of the United States.
Book Summary
Vance’s relatable storytelling style invites readers into his personal journey from a hillbilly upbringing to Yale Law School and now, the peak of American success. He intertwines his experiences with a critique of the Appalachian white working-class culture, marked by poverty, single-parent homes, substance abuse, and joblessness.
Vance’s pursuit of a better life exemplifies the American Dream, but he emphasizes that upward mobility requires navigating a challenging path. He reflects on personal responsibility, economic decline, culture, and his feelings of being a cultural immigrant, highlighting the stark contrasts between his life in the Kentucky hills and his experiences at Yale Law School.
The book’s blend of humor, seriousness, and uncomfortable truths prompts reflection on personal origins and the reality that the American Dream is not attainable for everyone. Vance raises the question of how to make the American Dream accessible to all and equip individuals to navigate the path to a better life.
He concludes that while he was fortunate to escape his difficult circumstances, there is no government solution to these problems. He advocates for personal responsibility and self-reliance as the starting point for change.
Upward Mobility
In Vance’s view, upward mobility requires a willingness to change and assimilate into a new way of life. He emphasizes the challenges of shedding old habits and the role of luck and support in his own success. Escaping his cultural background was only the first step; navigating the social ladder and adapting to new customs presented ongoing challenges.
A Culture of Poverty
Vance exposes the cultural elements that perpetuate poverty, including single-parent homes, substance abuse, poor work ethics, and a lack of value placed on education. These factors limit opportunities and trap individuals in a cycle of poverty.
He highlights the consequences of poor decision-making, such as engaging in fights instead of negotiation and the financial struggles resulting from limited education. Vance credits his grandparents for encouraging him to pursue education and find his purpose.
Vance’s Political Thinking
Vance identifies as a conservative, both socially and economically. He values family, religion, hard work, and education. His experiences and observations in Appalachia shaped his political views, particularly his skepticism of government intervention and his belief in personal responsibility.
Vance criticizes the welfare system, arguing that it often disincentivizes work and is susceptible to fraud. He also expresses frustration with the perceived laziness and entitlement of some individuals.
While acknowledging the role of government assistance in helping some people escape poverty, Vance argues that the system is flawed and needs reform. He believes in empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and achieve self-sufficiency.
“Thinking about it now,” he writes, “about how close I was to the abyss, gives me chills. I am one lucky son of a bitch.” How many people share the sentiment? Then referring to all the problems in hillbilly country, he explains: “there is no government that can fix these problems for us.” And then follows up by writing: “I don’t know what the answer is, precisely, but I know it starts when we stop blaming Obama or Bush or faceless companies and ask ourselves what we can do to make things better.”
Conclusion
Hillbilly Elegy is a thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the struggles of the white working class, the complexities of poverty, and the challenges of upward mobility. Vance’s personal story and social commentary spark important conversations about the American Dream and the role of individual agency and government intervention in addressing social issues.
It is not lost on Vance that his path to success was narrow, and he was one of the fortunate few:
“When I look back at my life, what jumps out is how many variables had to fall in place in order to give me a chance. There was my grandparents’ constant presence…Despite the revolving door of would-be father figures, I was often surrounded by caring and kind men. Even with her faults, mom stilled in me a life-long love of education and learning. My sister always protected me, even after I’d physically outgrown her. Dan and Aunt Wee opened their home when I was too afraid to ask. Long before that, they were my first real exemplars of a happy and loving marriage. There were teachers, distant relative, and friends. Remove all those people from the equation, and I’m probably screwed.”
Purchase the book here. And be sure to check out our other reviews on the Bookshelf.