458.4
Socio-Cultural Resources Development of Russian Province (“backs”) in Context of Globalization

Thursday, July 17, 2014: 4:15 PM
Room: 512
Oral Presentation
Vladimir KOZLOVSKIY , Department of Sociology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
The situation of contemporary rural province (“backs”) in most Russian regions shows a doldrum of social, economic, economic and cultural life. The demographic situation has stabilized, yet the population in general and of an economically active labor force and in particular is reduced. Employment in the industry falls especially in the small cities and provincial locality. The main issue for the farmers is an access of its products to local market and a large labor costs. Therefore it is developing the traditional type of economy, which is dominated by monocultural economy of the farm (horticulture, animal husbandry, small-scale construction, transport services, temporary employment) and commercial businesses. Modernization potential of the rural “backs” in particular in South region of Russia is diverse. The rural population is aging and decreasing. However, there is a surplus of labor force against the backdrop of falling employment. This dissonance is typical for the Black Earth region. Lack of investment, jobs, degradation of industrial and agricultural spheres pushes people to the development of the service industry and trade, to labor migration to the big cities, and social mobility. It is sufficient to note the high level of social and economic infrastructure: electricity, gas, roads, fiber optic lines, public transport, landscaping. There is a stable mobile communication, satellite TV, Internet access. However, rural inhabitants are experiencing social fatigue. They complain constantly about the lack of funds, the futility of life in rural areas. Many inhabitants are focused on internal migration, employment, education, and career in the middle and big cities. Key resources are upgrading a new economic policy of the local authorities, effective budget and private investments, solidarity of local communities, and of course, the willingness of local people to the medium-and long-term investment in yourself and in the development of their area.