Spatial differentiation and identification with the region and place by the representatives of local elites at Slovakia
Abstract
This article contributes to a discussion concerning the concept of socio-cultural identity in geographical science. The main aim is to describe how people living in the Slovak self-governing regions define their identity.
Regional/local identity is a phenomenon where people identify themselves with the social system of a certain region (its folks, culture, traditions, landscape, etc.). Theory of institutionalization of regions by Finnish geographer Paasi provides us a useful framework for understanding how regions and regional identity emerge, and are continually reproduced and transformed in and through the practice of individuals and institutions at a variety of spatial levels.
The survey results indicate regional disparities of so-called soft factors of the social identity development in self-governing regions. In addition, we discuss the need for a comprehensive approach linking together ethnography, geographical and sociological methods.
In regard of ongoing modernization and acquisition of new political, sociocultural and economic models of life, there is a regression of tradition, customs and norms in Slovak society which have been dominating in society for the last decades. Within the identity research in Slovak society, the model based on empirical research of territorial identity is sketched.
Territorial identity is defined as the dimensional and relational phenomenon, based on cultural, regional, national-religious and neighbourhood-local concept of society. The paper should offer solutions related to the relationship between the dimension of territorial identity and dimensions of basic relational concepts of society.
Collective memory and its social relations are determined by cultural and historical traditions, which have been formed under the influence of economic and political processes in a particular region. The strength of social and cultural identity (traditions) ultimately depends on the process of the historical acceptance place by its folks.