Approaches to the definition of the term “social infrastructure”

Abstract

The article deals with approaches to the definition of the term "social infrastructure". The concept of "infrastructure", prerequisites of the term "social infrastructure" formation have been examined. The definitions of "social infrastructure" by scientists in the fields of regional economy, location of the productive forces, human geography have been analyzed. On this basis four approaches to understanding of this concept were worked out, based on the functional purpose and material presenting of the social infrastructure. The first approach is based on the function of the conditions created for the employed population in manufacturing, the second – to ensure normal living conditions of the population, the third approach is based on the function of meeting needs of people and their normal residence, the forth – on meeting people's needs in services . It has been revealed that the social infrastructure is presented in the form of the material base, set of enterprises, buildings, organizations, sectors and activities. The concepts of "territorial and sectoral system of the social infrastructure" by Y.M. Kazakov, B.S. Movchan and "territorial system of the social infrastructure " by L.A. Merkusheva have been examined. The author’s understanding of the concept of "social infrastructure" in terms of the system approach has been proposed.