Sociology and Space, No. 31-32, 1971.
Original scientific paper
The Effect of a New Infrastructure on the Transformation of a Commune
Rada Boreli
Abstract
The paper reports on the great transformation in material culture and relationships
in the commune of Merošina which has1 been revealed by two investigations
conducted in 1956 and 1970.
The commune is situated between Niš and Prokuplje (southern Serbia) and
is composed of 27 villages. Until 10 years ago the villages of this commune, due
to lack of a suitable infrastructure, particulary of roads, were isolated from urban
influence. *
During that period, the peasants lived simply and traditionally. This was
evident in the manner of land cultivation, cattle raising, house construction and
family budgeting, as well as in their devotion to tradition, customs, certain old
forms of solidarity such as the »moba« (friendly gatherings for joint work such
as husking), etc.
The investigation conducted in 1970 showed a transformation of the commune
in every respect due to a newly developed infrastructure: 80 kilometres of new
roads, new tourist attractions, public buildings including a health centre, schools,
etc.
The latest changes refer not only to farming techniques (acceptance of modern
mechanization and chemicals), the use of more durable material in house
building, and major changes in the family budgeting of income and expenses,
but also to changes in the mentality and behaviour of the villagers.
The comparatively rapid success in accomplishing these changes is largely
due to the planners who knew how to adapt their plans and the execution of
these plans to the actual requirements of the commune.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
119397
URI
Publication date:
10.6.1971.
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