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Abstract: This chapter compares youth perceptions of societal norms in Croatia and Slovenia, revealing distinct mechanisms shaping their views. Croatian youth exhibit age-dependent patterns where growing autonomy influences the internalisation of societal expectations, leading to increasing self-confidence paired with a realistic reassessment of attainable life goals, particularly in education, housing, and financial independence. Slovenian youth, especially women, confront pronounced gender disparities rooted in structural inequities, burdening them with extensive societal and familial responsibilities. Both cohorts experience tension between individual aspirations and collective norms, with maturity prompting a shift from optimism to pragmatic evaluation of social milestones. Socioeconomic status (SES) strongly correlates with youths’ belief in personal success and adherence to societal expectations, with higher SES linked to greater confidence and internalisation, although national contexts mediate these effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, age differences in justifying public health norms were minimal, but SES differences were significant, especially in Slovenia. Croatian youth showed less overall support for health measures but greater familial duty endorsement.
Keywords: youth, expectations, life goals, COVID-19 pandemic, Croatia and Slovenia
Published in DKUM: 16.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 1
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Abstract: The introductory chapter outlines the methodological design and rationale of the YO-VID22 project, which investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth well-being and support structures in Croatia and Slovenia. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combined large-scale quantitative nationally representative surveys with qualitative methods, which included focus groups, expert interviews, and media content analysis. Quantitative data were collected through stratified online surveys on nationally representative samples of 16-29-year-olds, which enabled comparisons with pre-pandemic datasets. Qualitative components provided more profound insights into lived experiences, institutional responses, and public discourse surrounding youth. Focus groups captured peer-based dynamics and shared cultural values, while expert interviews highlighted systemic adaptations and policy gaps. At the same time, media analysis revealed shifting portrayals of young people in the public sphere. This integrated research design ensured both statistical robustness and contextual richness, and offered comprehensive evidence for understanding youth experiences during the pandemic and informing future policy and academic debates.
Keywords: youth, well-being, COVID-19 pandemic, Croatia, Slovenia
Published in DKUM: 09.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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Abstract: This chapter examines the role of formal and informal support structures in shaping the well-being and resilience of youth in Croatia and Slovenia. In both countries, families remain the most important support system, particularly mothers, who are consistently identified as central figures in providing emotional and practical assistance. While peers also play a crucial role, the pandemic disrupted these relationships and reduced opportunities for in-person interaction. Institutional support, such as educational and employment services, remains important but often perceived as inaccessible or poorly adapted to the actual needs of youth. At the same time, a low level of trust in political institutions and the welfare system was observed, particularly in Croatia, which reinforces reliance on familial networks. Digital platforms increasingly serve as alternatives for connection and advice, although they cannot replace interpersonal support. Policy implications stress the need to expand accessible, youth-centred services, including mental health care, career guidance, and community-based initiatives. Strengthening institutional trust and investing in participatory frameworks would help diversify support beyond families and foster more resilient pathways for young people's social integration and life transitions.
Keywords: youth support, family networks, institutional trust, mental health, Croatia and Slovenia
Published in DKUM: 09.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 6
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Abstract: Following the Bologna Process (2001) and Croatia’s accession to the European Union (2013), English has assumed a more prominent role in Croatian higher education (HE). While Croatian remains the dominant language of instruction, universities are increasingly expected to internationalise their programmes through English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English-Medium Instruction (EMI) courses. This study analyses the attitudes of content-area (non-language) university teachers at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia, towards the use of English in their teaching, focusing particularly on ESP and EMI. The aim is to examine how these attitudes contribute to the internationalisation of HE and support students’ academic and professional development through discipline-specific English instruction. The results obtained from the data collected using an online questionnaire indicate strong support for ESP course integration, with most teachers recognising its value in enhancing students’ employability and domain-specific language proficiency. While EMI was not addressed directly, several items suggest teachers are aware of EMI-related demands and express positive attitudes towards its benefits. Notably, teachers with Erasmus experience showed greater confidence in English and more openness to EMI. These findings highlight the need to expand ESP offerings, strengthen EMI-related training, and develop institutional language policies aligned with internationalisation goals.
Keywords: English for specific purposes, Croatia, higher education, university teachers, sports science
Published in DKUM: 02.09.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 2
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Abstract: This research investigates how business model changes induced by digital transformation impact productivity within the maritime transport sector in Croatia. Given the limited existing literature addressing digital transformation’s productivity implications, specifically in maritime contexts, this study aims to identify and analyze key mediating factors. An online survey conducted among Croatian maritime transport stakeholders resulted in 82 valid responses, which were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA). The study identifies two primary dimensions of business model changes—innovation and process digitalization—that significantly correlate with increased productivity. Key influencing factors include the digitalization of internal and external business processes, development of new digital revenue streams, introduction of innovative services, and novel pricing models. Results underscore the importance of targeted digital transformation initiatives and serve as a valuable reference for maritime transport stakeholders, aiming to enhance their productivity and competitiveness through digital innovation.
Keywords: digital transformation, maritime transport, productivity, business model innovation, process digitalization, Croatia, principal component analysis
Published in DKUM: 26.08.2025; Views: 0; Downloads: 4
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