Projects / Programmes
National and Cultural Identity of the Slovene Emigration in the Context of Migration Studies
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2016
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 5.11.02 |
Social sciences |
Ethnic studies |
Ethnic studies - humanistic aspect |
| 6.06.00 |
Humanities |
Culturology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| H000 |
Humanities |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 5.04 |
Social Sciences |
Sociology |
| 6.04 |
Humanities |
Arts (arts, history of arts, performing arts, music) |
Researchers (13)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The planned program content represents continuity with and builds on previous research. The common thread is the study of the cultural, political and socio-economic situation of Slovenian emigrants and immigrants to Slovenia in the past and present, a situation that is reflected in their opportunities to participate actively in intercultural dialogue and maintain their original ethnic and cultural identity. This opens up a whole series of unresearched topics such as future challenges for Slovenian emigrants and immigrants to Slovenia, the importance of ICT for original cultural identity, etc. The topics link to a number of key concepts such as multiculturalism, interculturalism and integration, transnationalism, the virtual community, the ethnic economy... We shall continue to devote particular attention to the conservation of migrants' cultural heritage. There will be a special focus on the most topical issues relating to young people and their contemporary representations in the context of migrations, the question of developing intercultural consciousness at all stages of education, and the question of the most vulnerable groups of migrants. Promoting the principal achievements of the cultural and artistic production of immigrants in the receiving society is another important factor in the development of intercultural consciousness at the national level and of a multicultural national identity, both of which are preconditions for a stable society in every country.
When researching these questions, a comparative perspective is of fundamental importance, both in the context of international comparisons and in the context of the dialogue between past and present and between the experiences of Slovenian emigrants and immigrants to Slovenia.
RESEARCH GOALS
1. We aim to continue the nationally most important long-term basic research in the field of migrations, which is not sufficiently covered by the project funding (contributions for a comprehensive general historical, socio-historical and cultural-historical overview of Slovenian emigration and immigration to Slovenia).
2. On the basis of our involvement in international projects and research trends, we aim to continue our long-term internationally comparable theoretical, methodological, epistemological and terminological migration studies.
3. With the help of case studies, we aim to make a decisive contribution to the critical evaluation of established migration and integration theories, policies and practices from the point of view of the social state, the stability of society, and social and human rights.
4. Through our experts' opinions for the public administration, with which we have already collaborated successfully, and through further collaboration with non-governmental organisations, the public sector (particularly schools at all levels of education) and emigrants' and immigrants' organisations, we aim to continue to ensure the practical application of our scholarly findings.
Significance for science
Migrations during the past two centuries are perceived as one of the basic social processes on the national, European and global levels. The Law on relations of the Republic of Slovenia with Slovenians abroad (Uradni list RS, no. 34/2006) states that the country will protect and promote the development of Slovenian language, culture, national heritage and national identity of Slovenians abroad (Article 9) and that research institutions in Slovenia should pay special attention to the research of past and present social reality of Slovenian communities around the world (Article 36). In Slovenia, on the other hand, interdisciplinary research field of migration studies has, despite its rich research results and wide international response, not been included in the research contents that are acknowledged as nationally important. With topical themes and pluralist research approaches, the programme group wishes to contribute vitally to the consolidation of migration studies in Slovenia as one of the most relevant fields of research that is still drawing much more academic attention abroad than in Slovenia. With quality interdisciplinary research of Slovenian emigration and immigration to Slovenia, with further theoretical-methodological and thematic research, with actualisation of research contents, the use of comparative approach and its embedment into numerous international projects, the programme aimed at including Slovenian research achievements into global research results and thus directly contributing to the development of migration studies as an autonomous international and interdisciplinary research field. The original research findings on Slovenian emigration and immigration to Slovenia offer new insights and thus present an important part of the international scientific corpus. Emphasising their predominantly used humanistic approaches to the research of Slovenian migration issues, the programme team hopes to strengthen the perception of migration studies and of the research field of "nationality question" ("ethnic question") as a research field in which social sciences and the humanities are of equal importance.
Significance for the country
DIRECT RELEVANCE 1) FOR STATE ADMINISTRATION, CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY: The importance of the programme for the cultural development of Slovenia is in its vital contribution to the promotion of intercultural awareness. In contemporary globalisation processes, a strong connection of Slovenian cultural space is also a necessary prerequisite for the sovereign future Slovenian cultural development. Research of migration and the elaboration of expertise for different ministries contribute to the development of a better Slovenian migration and integration policy, as well as to the development of social infrastructure and the strengthening of national identity. 2) FOR THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE: By analysing and evaluating the literary and other cultural-artistic production of Slovenian emigrants, finding a proper place for these achievements within the treasury of Slovenian national culture, the programme helps prevent Slovenian emigrant cultural heritage from falling into oblivion. INDIRECT RELEVANCE FOR THE SOCIETY 1) PROMOTION OF THE COUNTRY: Slovenian emigrant artists, cultural workers, economists and professionals can only promote the Slovenian state when their work is known and recognised in Slovenia. The programme strengthens the links between Slovenian emigrants and Slovenia. It produces internationally recognised results that will further increase the reputation of Slovenian migration studies in the international sphere. 2) ACCESS TO THE FOREIGN KNOW-HOW: By their study visits and participation in European and bilateral projects as well as by their active participation at international conferences, the members of the programme team regularly exchange research experience and findings with foreign researchers. In this way, the programme group largely benefits from current international theoretical and methodological trends. 3) DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONNEL: By means of the inclusion of the programme research results into the (Slovenian and international) study programmes in which they are involved as teachers and mentors, members of the programme team vitally contribute to the training of new personnel in the field of migration studies. 4) DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION: The programme group continues to carry out the international study programme EMMIR – European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations, organised at the School of Humanities, University of Nova Gorica, in cooperation with six others universities in Europe and Africa. This study programme that the programme team and its partners are continuously upgrading and including new foreign universities represents a unique example of this kind in Slovenia. Thus it significantly contributes to the contemporary development of Slovenian higher education.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
