Podstawowe determinanty jakości życia mieszkańców wsi i miast po akcesji Polski do Unii Europejskiej = Basic determinants of rural and urban inhabitants’ life quality after Poland’s accession to the European Union

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess changes concerning main determinants of rural and urban inhabitants’ life quality in the period after Poland’s accession to the European Union (years 2006–2017). The study was conducted basing on results of the European Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) and household budgets of the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Assessment of rural population’s life quality was based on indicators characterizing the unbiased living conditions (income, expenses, infrastructure, environment, housing and furnishings) as well as subjective evaluation. However, in assessing the life quality, environmental and climatic advantages of rural areas were not taken into account. Basic indicators relate to individuals or households. Life quality in rural areas is lower than in urban ones, which is primarily due to inferior income of rural residents. Furthermore, the level of expenditure is lower, mainly regarding high rank needs. Rural areas are characterized by lower equipment in basic technical infrastructure and durable – especially modern goods – in comparison to urban areas. Inhabitants of rural areas subjectively assess their life quality to be worse than the urban population. They also believe that possibility of satisfying their needs is lower than in cities.