Growing up poor in the Rust Belt is a key idea explored in Hillbilly Elegy. J.D. Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, a town that was once prosperous but declined as manufacturing jobs disappeared. Vance's family struggled with poverty, and he describes how his upbringing was marked by chaos and instability. Vance's grandparents had moved from Kentucky to Ohio in search of work, and they became part of a community of Appalachian migrants who settled in the Rust Belt. Vance's mother struggled with addiction and moved from relationship to relationship, leaving Vance to be raised by his grandmother for much of his childhood.

Despite the challenges that Vance faced, he was able to attend Ohio State University and Yale Law School. However, he struggled to adapt to the culture of the Ivy League and felt like an outsider among his classmates. Vance's experience growing up in the Rust Belt gave him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by working-class Americans. He argues that the decline of manufacturing jobs and the breakdown of family structures have contributed to a sense of hopelessness and despair among many people in the region.

Throughout the book, Vance provides anecdotes and examples of the struggles faced by working-class Americans. He describes how his family relied on government assistance and how many people in his community were distrustful of the government. Vance also explores the cultural values of the Appalachian region, including a strong sense of loyalty to family and community. However, he also acknowledges the negative aspects of this culture, such as a tendency towards violence and a resistance to change.

In conclusion, Hillbilly Elegy provides a powerful exploration of what it was like to grow up poor in the Rust Belt. Vance's personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by working-class Americans make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues facing our society today.