engleski

Urbanization and social welfare in the post- transition cities: the case of Zagreb

In the context of globalization the crisis of the welfare state is becoming an increasing socio-political problem and in Europe challenges are particularly great in the transition CEE countries (Croatia among them) which have conducted market-oriented economic reforms and become integrated into the global economy. In these countries, the transition to a market system from the system based on central planning has resulted in an almost total loss of former social welfare rights. Because of the diminishing role and capacity of the state to deliver the housing, health care or education services, these have been placed into private hands. Similar changes have occurred in urban planning during the transition: citizens' right to public space has been seriously compromised by the escalating privatization of urban public spaces. These tendencies have been perpetuated by important actors involved in the creation of urban policy. Urbanization and suburbanization have been uneven, very intense in the city of Zagreb, whereas other towns have been minimally involved in the process. However, this development has often fallen short of urban planning standards which is visible in the daily life of city neighbourhoods. Some parts of the city are unattractive and suffer from overbuilding and lack of public spaces ; also their long-term value regarding architecture and social life is threatened. Therefore, the CEE cities are still considered transitional cities, in spite of embracing European strategic guidelines.

transition, urbanization, post-socialist cities, the welfare state crisis, urban policy, Croatia

nije evidentirano