Local Territorial Cohesion: Perception of Spatial Inequalities in Access to Public Services in Polish Case-Study Municipalities

Wirginia Aksztejn

doi:10.17645/si.v8i4.3367

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate a research area situated off the mainstream of social inequality considerations: territorial inequalities at the local (municipality) level. The marginalisation of this aspect can be seen both in EU cohesion policies and in academic discourse. The European policies focus their attention (and funding) on the regional level, and researchers who study more local contexts tend to be interested in spatial inequalities in the urban environment with an emphasis on metropolises. This article downscales territorial inequalities to the level of municipalities that are varied in terms of size, location and function. The perspective I take on in the study concentrates on accessibility of selected public services such as public transportation and childcare within the locality, and the perception of spatial inequalities in the eyes of local actors from the public, civic and business sectors. The research indicates that a subjective view on local inequalities does not necessarily match the actual level of service provision. In the article I reflect on the reasons for this disparity and potential consequences for local policies and bridging the gaps.

Highlights

The objective of this article is to downscale the phenomenon of spatial inequalities and the concept of territorial cohesion to the level of municipalities and to investigate perceptions of intra-municipal differences
The analysis of the selected case studies was based on a combination of methods including (1) desk research and analysis of available official statistics, (2) analysis of local development strategies, (3) in-depth interviews with local actors based on a semi-structured research scenario, and (4) a standardised questionnaire administered at the end of the interview aiming to summarise the respondent’s opinion on spatial inequalities
Local governments and the private sector took over services of general interest (SeGIs) such as childcare and public transportation

Summary

Introduction

The objective of this article is to downscale the phenomenon of spatial inequalities and the concept of territorial cohesion to the level of municipalities and to investigate perceptions of intra-municipal differences. Territorial cohesion and inclusive growth are an important question in EU policies and discourse (see, e.g., European Commission, 2010; Treaty of Lisbon, 2007). The European cohesion policy succeeded in shrinking the distance in economic development between EU countries; the differences between regions are still on the rise (Bachtler, Martins, Wostner, & Żuber, 2017). This seems to pose a serious problem for the Community for at least two reasons. Perceived inequality in wealth gives rise to euroscepticism and populist movements by undermining trust in the fairness of European policies (Dijkstra, Poelman, & Rodríguez-Pose, 2020; OECD, 2019)

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Conclusion