Work

Neglected and Peripheral Spaces: Challenges of Socioeconomic Marginalization in a South Carpathian Area

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: There has been debate recently on how the population in traditional mining areas of Central and Eastern Europe face precarity and marginalization. A spatial approach was employed in a Romanian context using available statistical data on a south Carpathian area (i.e Gorj County), surveys and in-depth interviews with residents in one of the rural communities of Gorj. Our findings highlight that a large number of rural localities in this county are technically, economically, and socially underdeveloped. Many inhabitants face a lack of financial resources and employment opportunities, which has led to the emigration of young people to larger Romanian cities or to other countries. We conclude that in order to avoid a much deeper social and spatial marginalization of local inhabitants, an integrated strategy is needed to target economic and social development, investment in infrastructure and public services, the promotion of employment and training opportunities, and to better integrate local culture and traditions into tourism.

Source: Land

DOI: 10.3390/land13071086

Authors: Alexandru Dragan, Remus Crețan, Mihaela Ancuta Lungu

Institution: West University of Timişoara

Language: English

Topic: Rural development and sustainability

Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955