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

Alexandru Dragan, Remus Crețan () and Mihaela Ancuța Lungu
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Alexandru Dragan: Department of Geography, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Remus Crețan: Department of Geography, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Mihaela Ancuța Lungu: Department of Geography, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, 300223 Timisoara, Romania
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Remus Cretan

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-23

Abstract: There has been a debate recently on how the population in traditional mining areas of Central and Eastern Europe faces 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). We also conducted 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.

Keywords: neglected and peripheral spaces; spatial marginalization; precarity; unemployment; Gorj County; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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