Demography as A Vector of De-Territorialization: The Agony of Population In The Inner Areas in Abruzzo and Molise

Abstract

The vitality of inner and peripheral areas is measured above all by the degree of valorization of territorial capital and the tendency for active participation. However, the question is whether it is not too late to reverse the trends now underway in the inner areas, especially in the Southern Italy. Yet, the transition from crystallized environments progressively emptied of their original vital force to interactive spaces represents a necessary step to take to restore incentive to the socioeconomic fabric. The proposed methodology first aims to evaluate some demographic and economic indicators, to draw a structural picture of the inner municipalities of Abruzzo and Molise, with a peculiar attention to the small towns under 1.000 inhabitants, a focus on “agonizing” municipalities and a final reflection on the possible policies necessary to reverse the current trends.