Relational place-making in Latvian countryside: Straupe and Kaldabruņa case

Abstract

The paper deals with the relational place-making term describing it through the two examples of Latvian countryside. Straupe and Kaldabruņa have developed strong social networks and cooperation during more than 10 years. Both cases are built on certain values that gather similar people and organisations around them. Administrative and social borders are not as important as the purpose of coming together and maintaining of social values. Relational place-making approach can also give an alternative view of consumers' society, as social agents involved tend to assign specific meaning to their actions and interactions. Relational place-making approach is powerful enough to bring up new ideas and implement new economic and social activities, and both theoretically and practically offer a new logic for trans–territorial relations and rural development.