RIQL is carrying out a program researching the impact of the post-communist transformations on human communities. The research undertaken within this program is structured on four main dimensions: socio-economic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and citizens’ empowerment. Within this program, we have completed a series of researches focused on individuals and households, but also on neighbourhoods, communities, and urban areas.
Using both qualitative and quantitative research, we have completed analyses regarding differences in living standards and living conditions between urban and rural areas, among regions, at the level of certain types of localities, or among areas within localities (i.e. peripheral neighborhoods, ghetto-type poor areas, “pockets of poverty”, a.s.o. ). We have also identified causes and effects of social pathologies, which substantially diminish the social quality of neighborhoods and communities: social exclusion, phenomena of social disaggregation, discrimination, a.s.o. We have also studied underprivileged social groups (in poor rural areas, peripheral neighborhoods in large cities, homeless people, a.s.o.) – their problems related to dwelling (dwelling conditions and access to dwelling), services and infrastructure. Our researchers have also carried out evaluations of community development programs.
