Will only Cities Remain? Case Study of Poland in the Context of Development Dualities
Jan GOLIŃSKI*1, Samuel TUROSZ1, Wojciech DZIEMIANOWICZ1
* Corresponding author
1 University of Warsaw, Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, Department of Foresight and Strategic Studies, Warsaw, POLAND
E-mail: j.golinski3@uw.edu.pl; ORCID:0000-0003-1270-389X
E-mail: s.turosz@uw.edu.pl; ORCID:0000-0001-8451-708X
E-mail: w.dziemianowicz@uw.edu.pl; ORCID:0000-0002-9742-9596
Pages: 15-30. DOI: 10.24193/JSSPSI.03.WCCTU
Received: 13 May 2024
Received in revised form: 8 January 2025
Accepted for publication: 23 January 2025
Available online: 05 May 2026
Cite: Goliński J., Turosz S., Dziemianowicz W. (2026), Will only Cities Remain? Case Study of Poland in the Context of Development Dualities. Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning, Special Issue 11, 15-30. DOI: 10.24193/JSSPSI.03.WCCTU
Abstract. The dichotomy between urban and rural areas has been researched for many years. Crises and challenges have often exacerbated inequalities and development disparities in recent years. This article addresses the issue of developmental dualism and related concerns of local communities. The article aims to answer the question of whether urban or rural municipalities fear the uncertain future and related crises and whether (and to what extent) these concerns differ between these groups. This case study thematically fits within the discussions of the Core-Periphery theory, focusing on the dimension of unprosperous rural municipalities and prosperous urban municipalities, which represents a striking example of development dualism. Some 21 territorial units from Poland were selected – 10 urban municipalities characterised by favourable conditions (wealthy, active, innovative, centre, accessible space) and 11 rural municipalities defined by unfavourable conditions (poor, passive, imitative, periphery, hard-to-reach space). A survey conducted among 437 local leaders from these municipalities revealed that all eight analysed factors – key negative phenomena related to demographics, social and economic activity, and the effects of the pandemic – were perceived as highly alarming by the respondents in the context of their municipalities’ development. The findings also indicate that rural communes expressed greater concern compared to their urban counterparts, with demographic issues emerging as the most significant challenge for both groups. Respondents are least concerned about a decline in both social activity (both groups) and economic activity (urban municipalities), as well as about a reduction in the availability of EU funds (rural municipalities). It can then be concluded that the phenomenon of development dualism will likely intensify in the coming years, which will force local authorities to take action to increase the resilience of municipalities and cities.
K e y w o r d s: development dualities, local stakeholder perspectives, local disparities, economic crises, municipalities’ future, urban resilience