Transformation of Local Communies in the Republic of Croatia. Gobalization challanges and development potentials

One of the key research questions in the 21st century revolves around the impact of global social changes on local communities. Social risks and crises such as pandemics, climate change, demographic aging, migration crises and wars affect local social relations in various ways. As part of the project implementation Transformation of Local Communities in the Republic of Croatia: Global Challenges and Development Potentials, the goal is to determine how local social relations intersect with broader social processes in the Republic of Croatia. The research will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. To gather information about social relations, cohesion, and how local communities perceive change, a survey will be conducted on a representative sample of adult citizens in the Republic of Croatia. In addition, we will conduct research in two selected communities through interviews and focus groups to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of living in those specific locations. To gain a better understanding of local communities, we will address three thematic areas related to their social dynamics and developmental potential. Firstly, this study aims to examine the importance of the immediate socio-spatial context for the residents of Croatia. It will also determine their willingness to actively participate in their community and assess the quality of life in the surrounding area. The study will focus on how the residents express their sense of belonging to a place and a local community. Secondly, we will examine the impact of mobility on the local community, including residents’ willingness to continue living in their current place of residence and their views on foreigners and potential immigrants. This topic will be examined in the context of current demographic changes and trends in local communities. The question of the impact of foreigners on community life will be interpreted based on the results of qualitative research in two different municipalities, one located near the eastern border of the Republic of Croatia and the other on an Adriatic island. The aim is to determine how different types of foreigners, from tourists to migrant workers, influence local social relations. Thirdly, this study aims to examine the effects of the new technologies on the lives of local communities. One of the main questions that needs to be addressed is how communities are transforming in response to the widespread usage of technology in everyday life. On one hand, technology can facilitate communication and the creation of hybrid communities. However, on the other hand, it may also contribute to the spread of anomie and strengthen individualism, which can erode the foundations of communities. The aim is therefore to determine the degree to which local communities utilize modern technologies for local development and whether there are negative effects and risks of technology use for the community itself. RESEARCH TEAM: Team leader: Mateo Žanić, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar) Team members: Ivana Bendra, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Sandra Cvikić, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Marija Geiger Zeman, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Giana Marović Zeko (Vukovar Gymnasium), Matea Milak, MSc (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Geran-Marko Miletić, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Andrija Mišetić, MSc, Professor Željko Pavić, PhD (Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Osijek), Professor Krešimir Peračković, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Dorota Szaban, PhD (Institute of Sociology, University of Zielona Góra), Sara Ursić PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Dražen Živić, PhD (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar), Marta Keglević (Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar).