Remarks on the geographical nature of social infrastructure provision in a centrally planned economy

Abstract

In this paper the regional organization of collective services in socialist countries is discussed. Social infrastructure is a key aspect of regional activity. Within socialist economies shortage, or unsatisfied demand, is a driving force which stimulates natural tendencies to management stabilization in which bureaucratic structures control the distribution of goods and services. There are two rival models of regional infrastructure provision: orientation to places of production, or orientation to places of residence. Within either model a hierarchical structure is necessary. It is becoming necessary in socialist countries to appraise the administrative consequences of social goods provision as well as of productive forces. This creates major challenges to link the productive and residence orientation of administration. This, in turn, suggests a need for a more flexible rather than a uniform approach to settlement planning.