Social Ties, Solidarity and Threat Perception in Rural and Urban Communities in Slovenia

Povzetek

Most of the Slovenian population lives in rural areas, followed by suburban and urban areas. The author builds a theoretical conceptualisation to explain social life in rural and urban societies based on a Marxist understanding of the role the countryside plays as an important (biopolitical) cradle of power with two extremely influential sources (capitals) - agricultural land and people (so-called labour force or power). Other theoretical concepts included in this article derive from Tonnies' (1887/2001) notion of Getneinschaft (community or communal society) and Gesellschaft (society), Durkheim's differentiation between mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity, and Weber's distinction of two social relationship types - the communalisation and the aggregation of social relationships. Data from the research study Security and safety in local communities (2017) and the Slovenian Public Opinion 2016/1 reveal differences between rural and urban communities in Slovenia. On one side, we see demographic differences (religion, education levels, nationality etc.) and, on the other, differences in opinions and perceptions of communal life. Mutual help, relationships in the neighbourhood, joint efforts at problem-solving etc. show that personal bonds and cohesion in rural communities are closer and stronger than elsewhere. However, this also coincides with a tendency towards homogeneity and a lack of acceptance of various minorities, that is, people with different lifestyles or appearances from the mainstream. Among all threats, respondents in rural, suburban and urban areas believed that deteriorating socio-economic conditions (unemployment, poverty and economic stagnation) are the biggest threats to their safety.