A Structural Periphery in Slovakia

The chapter reports on the findings of a case study in periphery research. A team of researchers explored the village of Partizánska Ľupča in Northern Slovakia. The village represents a structural periphery, characterized by limited infrastructure and accessibility, coupled with a rich, royal past that shapes the villagers’ identity and pride. The research team gained access through village leadership, highlighting the role of local elites and the challenge of balancing potential bias with the necessity of tapping into local knowledge. The study revealed a complex interplay between the material and immaterial dimensions of peripherality, between the advantages of remoteness (integrity of nature, tranquility) and its disadvantages (lack of economic opportunities and connections). The research underscores the ambivalence of peripheries, seen both as disadvantaged and yet possessing unique value and social cohesion. Perceptions of the village and its history vary, influenced by individual circumstances and generational differences. Ultimately, the study demonstrates how a structural periphery can be a window into broader themes of identity, resilience, and the contested nature of history.