Why would geographers consider the rust belt a perceptual region?

Geographers consider the Rust Belt a perceptual region because it is defined more by shared cultural identities, economic history, and social perceptions than by strict geographic boundaries. This region, primarily in the northeastern and midwestern United States, is characterized by the decline of its manufacturing industries and urban areas, leading to a collective identity shaped by nostalgia and economic challenges. The Rust Belt is understood through the experiences and sentiments of its residents, reflecting how people perceive and relate to the area rather than its physical characteristics alone.