Abstract
Abstract The existence of marginal regions is closely linked to the socio-spatial polarisation of our society. Although marginality and peripherality can be considered a multidimensional phenomenon, the literature as well as social discourses often address only some of its dimensions, in particular on the basis of objective approaches. Such a research is usually based on the quantification of a wide range of statistical indicators, whether of a social, environmental or economic nature. This study aims to capture another equally important dimension of this phenomenon, namely the perception of marginality and peripherality. Drawing on a series of interviews carried out with experts in the field of Irish rurality, this research points to the various perceptions of this phenomenon in rural Ireland. The results once again confirm the complexity of marginality and peripherality, and highlight many differences but also similarities that exist with regard to this phenomenon in the Irish rural context.
Highlights
Under the influence of the global transformation of society, rural areas have begun to change significantly, either in terms of the basic structure of their population, diversification of economic activities, or the nature of the countryside (Woods 2007)
This study aims to highlight one of the neglected approaches: a subjective one, and discusses the perception of marginality and peripherality in the context of rural areas in Ireland
Two divisions can be seen in this spatial distribution. This phenomenon occurs quite commonly in north-western Ireland, and on the other, its extreme concentration is the most pronounced on the west coast. This pattern corresponds to the general association of marginality and peripherality with western and north-western Ireland (Creamer et al 2009; McDonagh 2002; Commission for Economic Development in Rural Areas (CEDRA) report)
Summary
Under the influence of the global transformation of society, rural areas have begun to change significantly, either in terms of the basic structure of their population, diversification of economic activities, or the nature of the countryside (Woods 2007). The ambiguity of this phenomenon as well as various aspects through which peripheral/marginal rural areas can be studied provide a wide scope for academic research. It would be inappropriate to ignore the fact that a gradual transition from spatial to non-spatial or aspatial aspects relates to the understanding and interpretation of marginality and peripherality, but can be widely applied to rural areas (Hurbánek 2004b) This is a consequence of the main theoretical-methodological trends in 20th century geography represented by a shift from a positivist interpretation of rural, as a part of ‘spatial science’, to a post-structural and post-modern interpretation of rural as more social, moral and cultural space (Johnston et al 2000; Woods 2011). An internal perception of marginality is formed by individuals living in the area in question, while external perception can be understood as a view from the external environment, e.g. by groups directly unrelated to this area (the scientific community, experts, etc)
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