The role of national minorities in interethnic relations after Slovenia's joining the EU
| Head of the project: |
Boris Jesih, Ph. D. |
| Cooperators: |
Albina Nećak Lük, Ph. D., Sonja Novak Lukanovič Ph. D, Katalin Munda Hirnök Ph. D, Jernej Zupančič Ph. D.
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| Project duration: |
2004–2007 |
The research study will – on the basis of analyses of primary sources and empirical data and with comparison of previously conducted research – answer the question, whether population standpoints towards acceptance of diversity, and perception of mutual cooperation in the processes of European integration, are changing. This affects the different acceptance of diversity in a setting and makes possible the intensifying of cooperation among various subjects, which contributes to the improvement of life standards on both sides of the border
The project will, on the basis of selected regions of Slovenia, Austria, Italy and Hungary, as well as randomly selected population, present different forms of life in coexistence at two levels, in the home settlement as well as in wider setting. It will specifically ascertain to what degree and in which fields these relations will – after the integration of Slovenia into EU – affect categories, which are not directly linked to established patterns of majority – minority relations. Data analysis will show differences and similarities in the perception of majority as well as minority, and in their perception of multicultural setting. The analysis will highlight the current status of minorities in a selected setting. Specifically exposed will be the subjective component – perception of different actors regarding the neighbouring state. Comparison of acquired data with the already conducted empirical research studies will indicate differences in the population viewpoints towards acceptance of diversity, and in viewpoints towards cooperation with Slovenia. It will also show to what degree this diversity – in altered conditions – affects the immediate social surroundings, so in Slovenia as in the neighbouring countries, which up to now has not been subject to direct interaction.
In regions, dealt with in our research study, we will highlight the selected mutually complementing aspects, which are mutually intertwined with their direct and indirect factors: political, spatial, socio-economic, cultural, educational (language instruction, curricula contents), language economy and media aspects. The results of the research will be published in special book.