Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

A Community Divided: Hydraulic Fracturing in Rural Appalachia

2015; University of Illinois Press; Volume: 21; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5406/jappastud.21.2.0207

2328-8612

Michele Morrone, Amy E. Chadwick, Natalie A. Kruse,

Environmental Justice and Health Disparities

Abstract As hydraulic fracturing (fracking) continues to expand in the United States, research is focusing on identifying environmental and human health impacts of the process. Environmental and public health are critical components of community health, but sociological impacts of fracking are important as well, especially because fracking is controversial. This article contributes to understanding the potential social impacts of fracking in one rural community in Appalachia, which is a hub of fracking activity in the United States. A mixed-methods approach was used, including interviews and a mail survey. Results indicate differences in perceptions of fracking that are related to sense of community, community attachment, and perceived social cohesion. The results suggest that unconventional natural gas extraction has the potential to fracture more than just shale; it may fracture communities as well.