Sociology in Yugoslavia

Abstract

The sociology of Yugoslavia is divided according to the ethnic groupings in that country: Serbian, Croatian, and Slovenian. Each form is characterized by strong ethnocentrism and a close union with political activities. Jovan Cvijic, the outstanding theorist of Serbian expansionism, attempts to establish the superiority of the Dinaric race and the necessity of transforming other Yugoslav types into subordinate groups under the leadership of Serbia. These ideas are further developed by Stanojevic, Popovic, and Jovanovic. Earlier, Markovic criticized imperialist Serbia and expounded a theory of a "peasant revolution." Radic, leader of Croatian sociology, shows the need of a new, all-human civilization. Sufflay stresses the racial, cultural, and mental differences between Serbs and Croatians and is impressed by their irreconcilability. One group of his followers argues for the German origin of Croatians, and the other emphasizes their Roman Catholicism. In Slovenia we find a Catholic counterliberalist movement directed against an encroaching liberalism and pan-Germanism. Mahnic, Krek, and Usenicnik are its leading exponents. Sociology should be based on the encyclic Rerum novarum and on Thomist philosophy. On its practical side, especially in the work of Gosar, it advocates a reform away from liberalism and socialism toward Christian solidarity and ecclesiastical authority.