The way in which self-proclaimed rednecks valorize pain was probably my favorite part of the reading, because it's something that I've both been confused by and related to in a lot of ways- and I've never really heard it discussed outside of parody. Pain, or more specifically struggles of the working class, is seen as its own status symbol in a way.
Those who do not labor as much are considered weaker, and often equated with femininity by rednecks wishing to masculinize themselves via comparison. Hubbs' analysis of how this fosters class unconciousness was really eye-opening to me, as it made me realize this viewpoint frames struggle as something that doesn't need to be changed-
which is concerning when you consider the way redneck pride has become synonymous with American pride (Hubbs, 50). In this case, to be patriotic is to accept the circumstances you are born into without complaint (something again associated with weakness rather than self-preservation)-
a task made easier when the struggle of those circumstances is given desirability (i.e. recognition as strong, respectable, or more masculine- all traits that provide positive social value).
Rednecks are by far not the only group that will unconsciously accept oppression to be rewarded with social credit. I see the same scenario translated as respectability politics in the context of race, gender, and sexuality, wherein the requirements for respect become the dependent variable. My own example is how some trans men and women turn to misogyny...
... In order to be accepted in cis spaces.