SETTLEMENTS WITH CENTRAL ROLE IN AN UNDERPRIVILEGED RURAL AREA – MÁGOCS AND SÁSD COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The aim of my research was to investigate settlements with central functions at the Hegyhát region. The paper focuses mainly on the comparison of Mágocs and Sásd, to determine the functional and social aspects of their urbanisation. I conducted statistical surveys and I examined the agglomeration and central roles of two settlements. My aim was to find and examine the similarites and differences in the development of two settlements. During the research I applied several methods, one of these was a questionnaire survey, implemented earlier with residents of Mágocs and somewhat later with residents of Sásd for the comparison. Finally I determined that both the division of tasks and competition can be found in the relationship between two settlements. Although Sásd stand higher than Mágocs, in the hierarchy of settlements, the former can not clearly validate his roles over Mágocs and his agglomeration. However, both of the towns are characterized by the partial impact of urbanisation, especially its socio-cultural aspects and the fact that their further urbanisation is significantly impeded by the weakness of the fragmented, low population, rapidly decreasing and aging attraction area.