Wioletta Szymańska

Abstract

This paper is the result of research on the contemporary diversity of socio-spatial structures in medium-sized cities in the coastal zone of Poland (Pomerania), using the cities of Lębork, Szczecinek and Wałcz as case studies. The main focusof the research is on demographic changes and population movement and on an increase in the spatial segregation ofcertain social groups which seems to result from the latter changes, particularly of the unemployed and the impoverished. The research also discusses social problems and changes in the quality of life which may be connected with the preceding changes. An attempt is made to encapsulate some of the main features of the new socio-spatial patterns which have emerged over the last two decades in a model of medium sized towns in this region.

Keywords: socio-spatial structures, intra-urban space, medium-sized cities, Pomerania, Lębork, Szczecinek, Wałcz

Wioletta Szymańska, Pomeranian University in Słupsk Institute of Geography and Regional Studies Partyzantów 27, 76-200 Słupsk: Poland