Urbanization and territorial differences in the quality of rural areas in Sverdlovsk oblast

Abstract

The article analyzes the influence of urbanization on territorial differences in the quality of rural areas in Sverdlovsk oblast, which is one of Russia’s most urbanized regions. The term “quality of rural areas” is formulated. A typological analysis of the region’s administrative-territorial units (ATUs) by the level of urbanization and quality of rural areas is carried out, and the distinguished types are characterized. The result revealed that urbanization has a multidirectional influence on the quality of rural areas within the distinguished types. In ATUs with a high level of urbanization, the interaction between a city and rural areas develops according to the suburbanization type; i.e., the rural area is under the direct influence of a city, and their relationship is a partnership, which improves the quality of rural areas. In poorly urbanized ATUs, where the level of urbanization is below the average, the interaction between a city and rural areas develops in accordance with the traditional type: big cities and, particularly, oblast centers remain extremely attractive to rural youth. Ways to improve the quality of rural areas within the distinguished types are suggested.