Theoretical methodological and organizational basis for the development of rural areas
The objectives of the article are to explore the theoretical and methodological approaches and conceptual apparatus, to clarify the interpretation of the main territorial categories and on this basis, to develop proposals for enhancement and development of rural areas. The methodological framework of the research comprises abstract-logical method and comparative analysis of the different interpretations of the essence of the categories of criteria: the territory, rural areas, rural development, rural settlement, village, administrative-territorial unit, the strategy of social and economic development, and others. Results of the study - the analysis of categorical definitions existing in the scientific literature still have certain discrepancies. Various approaches towards defining the categories trigger difficulties for the social development of rural settlement networks and surrounding industrial areas. The elements of scientific novelty - the author formulated new interpretation of such categories as ‘rural development’ that concerns villages and the surrounding areas in statutory limits (red lines) and ‘rural development’, as the territory of the settlement within its red lines. The system of indicators to be categorical characteristics is suggested. The practical significance of the article: the author`s interpretation of the categories can be a useful contribution to the formation of the efficient mechanism of local government within the sphere of rural social development under conditions of decentralization of functions of local authorities. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 13.