Otherization and the Urban−Rural Schism: Consequences of Government Interventions in Rural Australia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian state governments adopted strict border restrictions. In rural border communities, difficulties associated with government interventions were routinely conceptualized by rural peoples as a continuation of a theme of disenfranchisement derived from a rural−urban schism. This qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews ( N = 35) with participants from the town of Goondiwindi, Queensland (Australia), contributes to the literature on urban−rural divides. The findings demonstrate not only the continuation of a theme of rural dissatisfaction with city-based government, but an emergent “othering” of city-based compatriots resultant of experiences with state border restrictions. These findings have political implications and broader consequence for social cohesion between predominantly urban citizenry and the rural minority.