New rural residents and forms of their territorial organization in the Voskresensky district of the Nizhny Novgorod region

Abstract

The article examines the influence of “new rural residents” – immigrants from Nizhny Novgorod and Moscow, on a semi-peripheral district of the Non-Chernozem Region, as well as the transformation of its economy and society in connection with population replacement. Issues related to the territorial heterogeneity of the “new rural” influence are also considered. The research site, i.e. the Voskresensky district of the Nizhny Novgorod region is located 145 kilometers north of the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The presence of unique natural and symbolic resources, such as the Svetloyar Lake and the Vetluga River, attracts migrants from the large cities here. Research methods included in-depth and expert interviews, focus groups, participant observation and strategic sessions with local residents. The analysis of obtained data resulted in a typology of “new rural” residents, each type producing a different impact on the surrounding space. Key transformations of the lifestyle associated with the “new rural” are identified, namely new non-traditional types of agriculture, formation of “urban type” leisure, development of rural tourism by new-comers, complete replacement of the population in the most attractive settlements for city residents, as well as the emergence of associations of new-comers both territorial, and communities of “interests”. Key social conflicts were also identified among the new-comers and between them and indigenous residents, which limit the possibilities for development of the territory.