Social acceptance of rural dwellings. Results of a sociological research related to rural dwellings

Abstract

The paper shows the results of a sociological research, which is related to the protection of rural dwellings. The empiric data were collected in seven villages in Hungary and Slovakia from 2005 to 2008. The text is based on the questionnaire produced in 2005 in Szendrõ (north-east Hungary, Borsod County). The interviewed respondents could choose from eight buildings, four of which they had to evaluate in detail using a semantic differential scale. The photos of the buildings represent three in today´s settlements existing architectural periods: the traditional vernacular epoch, the socialist period and the current trends. The evaluation of dwellings varies mostly by size. Today´s buildings obtained high ratings in every parameter. The typical multi-storeyed family house of the 1970s and 1980s is less suited to create an impression. The traditional vernacular dwelling achieved a medium average rating, but not performing as well as the two larger buildings. The ranking of the older socialist building with a nearly square ground plan and pyramid hip roof was in every respect the worst. There is also the analysis of a similar questionnaire, which collected attitudes in an urban environment. In Budapest the oldest buildings had the highest acceptance; however the socialist era and today´s architecture became the critic. After comparing the results of both researches a working hypothesis was formulated which suggests that the vernacular monuments in Szendrõ are in a transitional period: they are not yet able to reassure the social claims of the inhabitants and they do not yet have a value as cultural heritage.