Rural Migrations and Their Consequences: A Case Study of the Masurian Commune of Stare Juchy
Rural Migrations and Their Consequences: A Case Study of the Masurian Commune of Stare Juchy

Summary/Abstract: The Rural Commune of Stare Juchy in Masuria, in northeastern Poland, is sociologically interesting due to the migration processes that are occurring there. Since the 1990s, many residents have emigrated abroad, primarily to Iceland. At the same time, an opposite trend has been occurring: residents of large cities have been migrating to Stare Juchy. These intense migration processes in opposite directions could lead to the gradual social and spatial gentrification of the villages of the commune. But is this happening in Stare Juchy? This article presents the findings of two studies conducted among the residents of the commune. The first study, which was conducted between 2016 and 2017, focused on emigrants, return migrants, and the families of emigrants. The second study, conducted between 2019 and 2021, examined new settlers from large cities. The research concentrated on the consequences of migration for individuals, families, and, most importantly, the local community. The findings indicate that emigrants and returnees were not the primary agents of change in the villages of the commune. Instead, new settlers played a more significant role in transforming the villages and their inhabitants. These newcomers invested in local tourism, initiated various social activities, and took on leadership roles in nongovernmental organizations.

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