Projects / Programmes
Medgeneracijska solidarnost v Sloveniji (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.03.00 |
Social sciences |
Sociology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.04 |
Social Sciences |
Sociology |
Researchers (11)
Organisations (3)
Significance for science
The research project brings significant scientific innovations in a still under-researched field in Slovenia. There is very little (social science) research studies dealing with ageing, older people and moreover there is no research studies on the topic of intergenerational solidarity. This research incorporates all three important areas of intergenerational solidarity study – this is macro, mezzo and micro level. In this way it captures the problematic of intergenerational solidarity in a complex and holistic manner.
We have developed a new theoretical and methodological framework for the research of intergenerational solidarity (Hlebec, Mrzel and Šircelj, 2010).This framework presents a bridge between classic research of intergenerational solidarity based on dyads of parents and adult children (Bengston and Roberts, 1991; SHARE research) and social networks analysis, and it enables observation of intergenerational solidarity within the whole social support network. Based on review in an internationally funded projects (ERSTE foundation) this approach has been internationally accepted and presented in invited lecture at the 6th World Ageing & Generations Congress in St. Gallenu (Hlebec and Filipovič Hrast 2010). The analysis of intergenerational solidarity has brought new knowledge in this field, as in Slovenia such analyses have not been done. The project is relevant also due to in-depth studies of link between different dimensions of intergenerational solidarity.
In the part of our research where we take advantage of Grounded Theory research style we note utmost importance of the »bottom up« research approach that enables us to present more accurately the problems of older people in everyday life and so contribute to insufficiently explored field in Slovenia. The research project enables the integration of partial views of the demographic changes and the reactions of the society, communities and individuals to them.
The previous research on influence of intergenerational programmes in the community show, that research was focused mostly on changing views and stereotypes of individuals, but in our research we’ve focused more on measuring changes in community, connected with the feasibility to implement intergenerational educational programmes, which could simultaneously influence also the collective goals (strengthening the feeling of connectedness and solidarity, diminishing of alienation and loneliness of older people in community, etc.)
Since a discussion on the concept of intergenerational and community education is weak and infrequent in our country, the research results represent the contribution to scientific debates and development also on this domain. Theoretical research in the field influenced the development of new knowledge about the needs and possibilities for intergenerational education and learning, especially for older people in the context of active ageing in community. Research results are indirectly relevant for development of graduate and postgraduate study disciplines of education and adult education as well as teacher's further education and training.
Significance for the country
Demographic changes demand increased scientific attention for in Slovenia still under-researched topic of intergenerational solidarity. In this sense this research project brings necessary research findings for the future development of Slovenia. This research incorporates all three important areas of intergenerational solidarity study – this is macro, mezzo and micro level. In this way it captures the problematic of intergenerational solidarity in a complex and holistic manner. The research project enables the integration of partial views of the demographic changes and the reactions of the society, communities and individuals to them. The analysis of macro-level has shown the advantages and disadvantages of policies addressing aging in Slovenia, and also stressed the importance of two-way flows of intergenerational solidarity. At a theoretical level, the research study has contributed to the development of disciplines in undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as to further training programs for teachers in education (carried out within the project Intergenerational solidarity – Professional training of expert workers in education in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011in the field of social and citizen competences.)
Moreover a debate on the stigma of paid reproductive labour in Slovenia fills a gap in the research of marginalized groups and contributes to a greater visibility and social recognition of an existentially important labour of everyday life. On the basis of an integrated theoretical approach and qualitative analysis it reveals the complexity of the factors that in specific environments (also) in the Slovenian society stigmatize "dirty" work and it’ workers - mostly women.
The threat of intergenerational conflicts is becoming increasingly realistic in this period of an aging population and tougher economic conditions. Our research results show that one of the solutions to this threat of intergenerational intolerance and egoism of the individual generations is in the development and implementation of intergenerational educational community programmes. This kind of education, which also has the important social function, is focused on collective actions for development and better quality of life in community. It encounters social learning for solving individual and collective problems and fostering social responsibility of younger and older people in contemporary conditions. In Slovenia it will be necessary to plan the preparations for intergenerational programmes, including the education of key personnel, who will be the initiators of intergenerational cooperation in the community as well as ensure a certain level of external encouragement, like motivating different generations and age groups for participation in education, ensuring places for intergenerational cooperation, etc.
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
