The regional identity of the inhabitants of regions which have experienced an interrupted continuity in their socio-historical development :A case study of Czech regions that were resettled after World War II

Abstract

The article is focused on the phenomenon of regional identity and its relationship with processes of socio-historical development. The objective is to compare the regional identities of the inhabitants of two typologically specific regions located in Czechia. These regions’ specific characteristics are defined by dramatic interruptions in their development that occurred during the twentieth century. The existing regional identity of the inhabitants was assessed with regard to the role of the regions based on four principles used in the process of identity construction. Primary empirical data was obtained via questionnaire and subjected to further comparative analysis. In its conclusion, the article notes that the regional identities of the inhabitants of regions that experienced a discontinuity in their socio-historical development can vary considerably. In our conclusions, we augment the existing knowledge concerning the forms that the regional identities of inhabitants can take in regions with interrupted continuity in their development.