Projects / Programmes
Social Integration of the Elderly in Slovenia
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| S210 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
| S215 |
Social sciences |
Social problems and welfare, national insurance |
elderly,social integration,social networks,social support,quality of life,gerontology
Researchers (11)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Slovenia is facing social problems that reflect a lack of theoretical and practical knowledge about the elderly as a special part of the population. The social welfare system in Slovenia today is based on the state-socialist welfare system developed in Yugoslavia, which primarily developed homes for the elderly. Nevertheless, only 3.8% of people older than 65 live in homes for the elderly. The remaining majority is living at their family homes, and these are our research population.
Social integration can be operationalized using the social network approach, in which researcher is studying ego-centered social networks providing the focal individual with social support. In our study we will observe Slovenian society at two points in time. In 1986, the ISSP data about social networks were collected for the first time in Slovenia on a representative sample of Yugoslavian residents. The next large survey on social networks in Slovenia was done in 2002 (Ferligoj et al, 2002). Six types of social support networks showing various degree of social integration of the elderly were revealed by cluster analysis (Hlebec, 2003). A similar typology should be done on ISSP data and compared with the one obtained by Hlebec (2003). Structural and substantive explanations of potential similarities or dissimilarities are expected to be found and interpreted. The qualitative part of the research project will make available in-depth analysis of social networks of two generations within the same family. Social networks of the middle-aged and their parents will be observed on a small quota sample of respondents. Similarly, retrospective reports will be used to obtain the in-depth data about social networks in the past.
Additionally, the integrative function of social networks and supports (of the elderly) will be analyzed specifically for the selected domains of the quality of life (education, health, housing, neighborhood) and specific trends observed. Selected indicators of quality of social networks will be developed and integrated with indicators of "quality of life". Important scientific contribution of this project is its interdisciplinary approach. At the same time the project indicates political and social aspects relevant for Slovenia"s entry into the European Union.
