Projects / Programmes
Sociološki vidiki trajnostnega družbenoprostorskega in kadrovskega razvoja Slovenije v Evropi (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2012
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| 5.02.00 |
Social sciences |
Economics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.04 |
Social Sciences |
Sociology |
Researchers (5)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
Although our research group has acquired several decades of experience with integrated sociological research into space and the environment, our approach is still innovative and to some extent experimental. Our performance does not merely depend on the creative abilities f the sociologists included in the research group, but also on a cooperative approach to other disciplines dealing with space and the environment, in particular since an awareness has matured that the formation of a common discussion and research space has become urgent. The conceptual basis of spatial sociology is quite original and as such to some extent influences the development of research into the interaction of society and space. The same is true of environmental sociology as it treats all social phenomena and processes from the aspect of environment preservation respectively pollution. These endeavours face considerable problems precisely because of their innovative nature, even though postmodern fragmentation directly urges us towards reintegrating diverse specialist views and disciplines. The planned research project is therefore in line with the present theoretical trends and critically responds to numerous ''postmodern'' interpretation concepts. We pay much attention to the ability of consistent postmodern reflection on the social-spatial processes, phenomena and difficulties that emerge in legitimising interventions into space and the environment: these difficulties result directly from the reduced credibility of professional reflection on problems concerning different interest groups. Spatial and environmental sociology has been strongly associated with border and related spatial disciplines in Slovenia from its beginnings. Research results indicate that this is a promising orientation, but the infrastructural environment does not actually support it. The low level of differentiation (specialisation) of scientific disciplines in Slovenia is, at least in this context, an advantage. Nevertheless, experience shows that “cross-border” or transdisciplinary cooperation can be quite successful in spite of methodological and organisational difficulties. The ability of postmodern reflection on socio-spatial processes increases in direct proportion to the emergence of a common discussion field. Spatial and environmental sociology is thus turning into a “pioneer” discipline, because it facilitates the integration of diverse disciplines. Seen from this aspect, an important result of the research work will be the operational structuring of the problem field in a way that will enable to connect cognitive, theoretical and ambitious research with the applicative aspects of the researched issue. In concrete terms, this means that we will devote great attention to the operational structuring of social, spatial and environmental dimensions. “Unifying” approaches is one of the key problems of sociology and a great range of disciplines dealing with contemporary spatial and environmental problems.
Significance for the country
The research programme is aimed directly at determining the theoretical and applicative aspects for a harmonious spatial and environmental development of Slovenia. In view of the established discrepancies between options and actual trends, this is a highly topical theme in Slovenia. The research goals are defined so as to contribute to the professional theoretical and general social reflection on spatial and environmental issues, and this is an inevitable condition for legitimising and implementing new spatial and environmental policies and concrete spatial and environmental projects. Past experience shows that many promising programmes and projects have remained unachieved precisely because of neglected legitimising procedures. Participative decision-taking procedures should directly replace instrumentally limited “public relations” campaigns. Our theoretical premise is that only all-round, in-depth reflection on the mutual nature of spatial and environmental development contributes to legitimising successful concrete measures for a quality increase of spatial and environmental policies. And this is one of key elements of the social and cultural development of Slovenia. In this context, it is particular relevant to research spatial mobility, because the gap between the declared sustainable orientations and actual non-sustainable trends is probably bigger in Slovenia than anywhere else. The obvious connections between the development of the settlement system, the accessibility of space, and non-sustainable traffic trends must be pointed out clearly. At this point, sociological research joins the analysis and prediction of the present and future introduction of information technology to society, which can replace spatial mobility to some extent. Understanding the socio-spatial dimensions of the introduction of information technology contributes to superseding ''alienated'' technological-determinist approaches to the elaboration of long-term policies for the social and spatial development of the Republic of Slovenia. Understanding that the development of the information society is increasingly a socio-spatial issue, not a technological and determinist issue, enables us more accurate reflection on future social (infra)structure and the role of the public administration in the information society. As emphasised, space and the environment play a very important role in the preservation and strengthening of individual and community identities. The research programme attempts to implement a modern approach, which includes the preservation of traditional identities and simultaneously supports emerging new spatial and environmental identities, which are in harmony with the trends of transnational alliances and ideas about sustainable, optimised use of Slovenia’s varied natural and cultural heritage. It is important, in particular because of the intensive social developments, to have an as clear as possible idea whether development proposals are in harmony with the sustainable development of Slovenia. The research’s aim is therefore to elaborate criteria on the basis of which we will be able to assess the suitability of projects and the degree of difficulty to legitimise proposed variants of spatial development and environment protection.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
