Abstract
The integration of socio-economically marginalized areas into regional systems in the context of post-communist transformation has been an important subject of social science research in general. The military training areas (MTA), as specific type of peripheries, have been so far little explored. Based on the results of an extensive questionnaire survey (N = 1,362), the authors of this study analyze local community perceptions of MTA in the Czech Republic, assess positive and negative impacts of MTA on the quality of life, and discuss possible future development scenarios of the areas. The results show that local communities in the hinterland of MTA perceive similar problems as those living in other peripheral and/or rural areas, particularly unemployment, limited options of obtaining own housing, maintenance of road infrastructure, limited options of leisure activities, etc. Ensuring a harmony between local development and MTA activities is considered a specific issue. Problems are perceived more likely by older and highly educated people, and those living in smaller municipalities with higher unemployment and municipalities located closer to MTA. On the other hand, young and less educated people living in larger municipalities with higher unemployment rates, which are located at a greater distance from county seats, perceive more likely positive impacts of MTA.
Highlights
Military training areas represent a specific type of peripheries with significant potential, usable for future sustainable development (Kustrová, 2013; Seidl and Chromý, 2010a; Zug, 2015)
The results show that local communities in the hinterland of military training areas (MTA) perceive similar problems as those living in other peripheral and/ or rural areas, unemployment, limited options of obtaining own housing, maintenance of road infrastructure, limited options of leisure activities, etc
Young and less educated people living in larger municipalities with higher unemployment rates, which are located at a greater distance from county seats, perceive more likely positive impacts of MTA
Summary
Military training areas (hereina er MTA) represent a specific type of peripheries with significant potential, usable for future sustainable development (Kustrová, 2013; Seidl and Chromý, 2010a; Zug, 2015). E aim of the research presented in this paper was to evaluate how actual local development and related problematic aspects of the transformation of municipalities that have had or still have a common border with MTA are perceived by social actors (inhabitants) and what are the local communities’ perceptions about the future development scenarios of these areas. Davies and Michie (2011) discuss if (and to what extent) peripheral areas are a problem for the countries of Western and Northern Europe In their study, they propose alternative approaches to resolving problematic areas, such as providing public services in the excluded areas, training for the socially excluded, etc. We explore and analyze local community perceptions of MTA in the Czech Republic, assess positive and negative impacts of MTA on the local quality of life, and discuss possible future development scenarios of these areas with implications for public administration and local governments
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