Sociology and Space, No. 33, 1971.
Original scientific paper
Communication and the Development of Rural Settlements
Adolf Malić
Abstract
The development of settlements, from their origin to full prosperity, is unimaginable
without well-organized communications. Not all settlements, including
rural ones, have equally well developed communications ties. Better communications
links accelerate the development of a certain small number of rural settlements
which are then more rapidly 'transformed in the direction of urban
settlements. As the empirical research undertaken in the suburban areas around
Zagreb shows, nonagricultural economic functions are concentrated in these settlements
more than in other villages. The population of these, villages is increasing
and assumes more and more the characteristics of an urban population, while
the village itself obtains a series of service institutions and institutions commensurate
with a higher social standard.
Communications links in a majority of the rural settlements in the suburban
region around Zagreb are still poor. Villages with poorer communications links
not only stagnate in their development, but also even partially degenerate. This
degeneration is particularly expressed in the constant decline in the number of
inhabitants and in restrictions in the economic and cultural life of such rural
settlements.
However, the short time period and the speed with which these communications
links are developing — more rapid development began in the 1950’s —
allows one to foresee a more optimistic prognosis of improvement presently in
the communications opportunities available to a larger number of rural settlements
in the suburban region around Zagreb. It is clear that with the improvement
of communications opportunities, a larger number of rural settlements will be
included in the positive transformation process between village and town.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
119423
URI
Publication date:
3.9.1971.
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