Local State and Social Security in Rural Communities: a new research agenda and the example of postsocialist Europe

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the development of a new research agenda on and
theoretical approach to the relation between local state formations and social security arrangements
in rural areas. We argue that an analysis of these relations will enhance our understanding of the
state in rural settings and of its interrelation to other networks of power. Social security is central
for these relations. By adopting an anthropological definition of social security, we aim to
overcome dichotomies of formal state and informal help as well as between state and non-state
activities. We propose to address the topic by analysing and comparing access to the different kinds
of resources distributed or mediated by local state actors. The paper starts with a general
introduction to the theoretical framework and then gives an overview on existing research on the
issues with special attention to postsocialist areas. Recent changes in the fields of state action have
been especially profound in this region. Nevertheless we suggest that the proposed framework
allows for fruitful application and comparison with other regions as well.