ABSTRACT
Kielce is a city located in south-eastern Poland and the capital of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship, inhabited by 196,000 residents, and representing an example of a shrinking city. For many decades, Kielce developed as a part of the Old Polish Industrial District, based on the metallurgical, electromechanical and mineral industries. After 1989, most old factories collapsed or underwent restructuring, which led to a massive reduction in employment and caused an economic crisis. As a result, Kielce has been affected by a negative migration balance and a natural decrease since the end of the 20th century. The aforementioned economic depopulation factors have been strengthened by social modernisation processes. In theoretical terms, these factors could be explained by the concept of the second demographic transition. The main research aim of this chapter is to present the life plans of young people living in Kielce and to determine the potential impact of these plans on the city's demographic future. The results are interpreted in relation to the concept of the second demographic transition. The chapter describes the socio-economic situation of Kielce and the restructuring process of the city after 1989. On this basis, the results of a survey conducted among Kielce academic youth have been presented.
