Community In Croatia Research Articles

Short-term rental expansion and residential displacement in tourism communities: evidence from Croatia

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) on local communities in Croatia, one of the most tourism-dependent countries in the world, from the perspective of destinations of individuals displaced by STRs. In cities with high tourism intensity, STRs give rise to closed migration circuits that restrict the exchange of knowledge and talent between socially and geographically diverse contexts. In less tourism-intensive cities, particularly in declining and ageing communities, STRs displace residents on a larger geographical scale, eroding the social capital of local communities. The results of this investigation have implications for areas grappling with the proliferation of STRs.

Differences in Indicators of Socio-Psychological Integration Between Refugees from Syria and Receiving Community in Croatia

Abstract Socio-psychological integration is a dimension of integration affecting refugees and receiving community members alike, and is related to those integration goals which promote positive intergroup attitudes, close social proximity, interrelation of social networks, low levels of perceived intergroup threat, positive intergroup contact, etc. The goal of this study was to explore the differences in the levels of indicators of socio-psychological integration in both groups. Six hundred receiving community members in Croatia, and 149 refugees from Syria in Croatia participated in the field study. The results generally show that the refugees have more positive attitudes towards receiving community members, a closer social proximity and lower levels of perception of symbolic and realistic intergroup threat than vice-versa. Intergroup contact in Croatia is very rare, posing an interesting setting for the integration process. Potential implications of these findings are discussed.

The role of CRIS as a glue for national e-infrastructure and digital services for open science

University of Zagreb, University Computing Centre – SRCE is actively advancing open science and providing crucial support to the scientific community in Croatia. Through Croatian Scientific and Educational Cloud (HR-ZOO) [11], SRCE provides a wide range of advanced computing and cloud services, alongside data services designed to simplify research data management across all stages of the research process. In the meantime, a national CRIS (CroRIS) [12] was created and put into production, consisting of a variety of interconnected modules. Its broad scale and the level of details allowed it to be positioned as a common ground for National Open Science Cloud services.

Jews in the Political, Economic, and Cultural Life of Croatia at the End of the 19th and the Beginning of the 20th Century

Drawing on literature, newspapers, and archival sources, this paper examines the life and work of Oskar Weiszmayer, one of the most recognizable members of the Jewish community in Croatia in the second half of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. Elucidating his overall economic, cultural, social, and political activities in Osijek and Zagreb is an important contribution to a better understanding of the history of the Jews in Croatia.

The Socioeconomic Position of National Minorities with a Special Emphasis on Slovenes in Croatia over the Past Thirty Years

Abstract The article presents the situation of members of the Slovene community in Croatia, focusing on selected aspects of their socioeconomic participation (inclusion) in Croatian society. This topic has not been thoroughly studied yet, firstly due to the low interest of researchers in the position and activities of members of the Slovene community in Croatia, and secondly due to a continuous lack of data on the socioeconomic participation of members of not only the Slovene community but of all minorities in Croatia in general. Based on the analysis of data mainly collected from Croatian official reports, the situation of members of the Slovene minority in Croatia is presented mainly in relation to the exercise of their rights to education and employment.

Religious nationalism and religious governance: Overlaps and divergences. The case of Croatia

In this article, we argue that the religious governance in Croatia was shaped by the specific position that was given to the Catholic Church in Croatia as the historical and moral guardian of the Croatian people. We describe how the fusion of religious and national identity occurred and how it was connected to the relationship between the Catholic Church and the political party that governed Croatia in the 1990s, as well as the relationship between the state and minority religious communities. The article also deals with the issue of whether religious nationalism, which is very strong at the levels of society and national self-consciousness, played any role in the governance of religious diversity and how it has influenced social movements that have reconfigured mutual recognition of different religious communities in Croatia.

The unwanted citizens: The ‘Legality’ of Jewish destruction in Croatia and Romania during World War II

This article examines the establishment of the legal framework that led to the destruction and elimination of Jewish communities in Croatia and Romania during World War II. It argues that both regimes, supported by domestic fascist ideologies, evolving antisemitism, and inspired by the Nazi regime, promulgated anti-Jewish legal norms to present and establish new political, ideological, and social values and categories to their citizens. This article employs the theoretical framework of norms developed by Paul Morrow, whereby norms are seen as practical prescriptions, permissions or prohibitions. We argue that these destructive norms served as guidelines for individuals within the fascist new worldview and new reality. As such, these norms received state authorisation and implementation, serving as the ‘legal’ basis for the institutional destruction of unwanted citizens. This gave local and state actors a ‘legal’ pretext for the persecution and murder of Jews, who were stripped of their rights, assets, properties and right to life. The article concludes that the two legal frameworks enacted the process by which Jewish communities in Croatia and Romania faced a devastation of unseen proportions, which testifies to the importance and impact of legal norms on individuals, be they victims, bystanders or perpetrators.

Impact of nutrients and trace elements on freshwater microbial communities in Croatia: identifying bacterial bioindicator taxa.

Since aquatic microbial communities promptly respond to environmental changes, it is now evident that they can complement traditional taxa such as fish, macroinvertebrates and algae as bioindicators of water quality. The aim of this study was to correlate the physico-chemical parameters of water with the microbial community structure and the occurrence of putative bioindicator taxa. Thirty-five water samples were collected throughout Croatia and their physico-chemical parameters, including the concentration of trace elements using the high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS), and the composition of the microbial communities by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA marker gene, were analysed in parallel. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) modelling revealed that a number of microbial taxa were positively correlated with some of the water parameters. For example, some taxa from the phylum Proteobacteria were positively correlated with the ion content of the water (e.g. Erythrobacter, Rhodobacteraceae, Alteromonadaceae), while some Firmicutes taxa, such as the well-known faecal indicators Enterococcus and Clostridium, were correlated with nutrient content (ammonium and total phosphorus). Among the trace elements, uranium was positively correlated with a highest number of microbial taxa. The results obtained will aid in development of protocols for eDNA-based biological assessment of water quality.

The Ichthyofauna of the Bednja River, Ichthyological ‘Hot Spot’ in the Danube Basin—Exceptional Diversity under Strong Threats

The Bednja River is the longest river flowing with its full course exclusively through Croatia and one of the largest right tributaries of the Drava River, which belongs to the Danube River basin. Due to the variety of habitats present within the course of the Bednja River, as well as older literature reports, it can be expected that this river harbors a high number of freshwater fish species and would likely benefit from conservation and preservation efforts. We compiled and analyzed the existing literature data on the Bednja River fish communities and performed field investigations at various localities on this river in order to describe the current structure of its freshwater fish fauna and monitor changes induced by human activities. Our results corroborate the presence of a rich and diverse fish community. Moreover, with 36 native species, the Bednja River harbors one of the richest fish communities in Croatia as well as in the Danube basin. Unfortunately, modifications of the native fish community were evident in the form of local extinctions, reductions in the population abundance of several native species and the presence of non-native species. Habitat degradation and fragmentation were identified as the most serious threats provoking negative effects on the native fish populations, followed by predatory and competitive effects of invasive species.

Integration of Refugees in Croatia – A Qualitative Study of the Integration Process and Intergroup Relations of Refugees from Syria

Based on the theoretical model of multidimensional, two-way, dynamic integration of refugee and host community, a qualitative study was done determining views on and experiences with integration of refugees from Syria and the host community in Croatia. Five focus group discussions were held, three with host members (N = 21) and two with refugees from Syria (N = 11). Four overarching themes emerged from the data in both groups: "Perspectives on integration", "Socioeconomic integration", "Intergroup relations", and "Culture, language and social obstacles to integration". They appeared consistently throughout discussions, with hosts and refugees providing a consensual view of refugee integration. They understood integration in the same way and recognised the need for both groups to adapt as part of the integration process. Croatia was perceived as a transit country and a temporary solution for refugees, which is an obstacle to integration. Emphasis was placed on the intergroup relations and the responsibility of the host society in providing tools and mechanisms that foster socio-economic and socio-psychological integration, overcome structural barriers and promote pleasant social contexts.

Longitudinal effects of direct and extended intergroup contact in multi-ethnic communities in Croatia

The purpose of this study was to examine the reciprocal longitudinal associations between different measures of direct and extended intergroup contact and various intergroup outcomes among majority and minority adolescents from four intergroup contexts in the Republic of Croatia. The research was carried out in two waves on a sample of 1,150 elementary and high school students, members of Croatian majority, and Serbian, Hungarian, Czech, and Italian minority. Cross-lagged path analysis revealed that direct contacts predict less social distance and more prosocial behavior, while extended contacts predict lower ingroup bias over time. However, we found even more effects in the reversed temporal direction. Lower initial bias and social distance, as well as greater prosocial behavior predicted more direct and extended contacts over time. Furthermore, none of the examined longitudinal associations differed between majority and minority members or across the four intergroup contexts.

Early-Stage vs. Growth-Stage Startups: Examining the Differences in the Perception of Factors Instrumental to Success

A stream of research available in the literature focuses on startup success factors, although there is a lack of consensus in determining what these factors are. In general, there are two critical groups of success factors, organizational and entrepreneurial, both considered to be integral parts of internal startup environment. Since the perception of early-stage (incubation stage) and growth stage (post incubation stage) startup entrepreneurs differ significantly they tend to perceive important success factors distinctively. As a result, attributes of success differ considerably. This paper aims at capturing internal startup environment as it is considered to be crucial in shaping startup’s success in contrast to external environment that is more remote and (usually) not manageable.
 Primary data were collected using an online survey questionnaire and quantitative approach was used; data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test. The final research sample consisted of 70 startups and the findings indicate that the perception of internal environment and its contribution to overall success differs significantly from the perspective of early-stage and growth stage startup entrepreneurs. Out of analysed internal factors, statistically significant differences were identified for prior experience in starting the company and self-confidence (individual’s/entrepreneur’s category factors) and internal startup organization and team-level competencies (organizational category factors).
 The contribution of this research is evident in identifying important internal factors that determine startup’s success (that aspiring startup founders can benefit from) and providing an insight into the startup community in Croatia, thus contributing to a scarce empirical literature on the topic available. Limitations of the research include sample size and subjective assessment of the success factors, so recommendations for future research include repeating the research on a larger sample, covering the international level and widening a set of key-performance indicators that can be assessed at a higher level of rigour with objective metrics.

ДОСВІД РОЗБУДОВИ ТЕРИТОРІІ ХОРВАТІЇ ПІСЛЯ ЗБРОЙНОГО КОНФЛІКТУ: УМОВИ, ПРІОРИТЕТИ ТА ІНСТРУМЕНТАРІЙ

The article examines experience of the Republic of Croatia in the development of de-occupied and affected territories post the armed conflict. The authors analyzed economic and legal conditions for the construction of the Croatian territories destroyed after the armed conflict and their financial support by international donors through the creation of local economic development agencies, development and implementation of the local economic development concept in Croatia and adaptation of the legal framework to new economic goals. The priorities and four components of the strategic project of the social and economic recovery of Croatia have been determined. The first component of the project aimed at attracting investment in territorial communities, the second component devoted to the process of demining de-occupied territories, the third is the provision of consulting services to strengthen management potential, and the fourth component of the project aimed at supporting sub-projects in such areas as: social integration, economic revival and infrastructure for small communities in Croatia. The article demonstrates the economic and legal instruments of special state support for the development of the de-occupied territories of Croatia as well as the classification of territories requiring special state support. Emphasis placed on the expediency of state administration decentralization and the use of tax incentives, including real estate transfer tax, income tax received in the territory of special state supervision and corporate tax. In addition, noteworthy is the creation of three types of territories that received special state aid through income tax exemption or tax rate differentiation over time. Special state support was provided by providing housing to the population affected by the “Croatian War”. The conducted research made possible to establish the successes and shortcomings of the Croatian experience for the possible extrapolation of developments to Ukrainian realities.

The relationship between biodiversity and the biomass of grasslands in the Zagreb area (NW Croatia)

Research into the floristic and ecological characteristics of grasslands in the Zagreb area was conducted in June and July 2020. Eight localities were processed, each containing two 1m2 plots. The floristic composition of each quadrat was analysed and the presence of two vegetation communities, Festuco-Brometea and Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, was determined. Although indigenous taxa dominate, two invasive plants: Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et A. Gray and Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf. have been recorded. Based on the functional traits of taxa, the functional diversity of plots was calculated and compared with the number of taxa and the weight of plant biomass collected within the plots. Functional diversity values ranged from 1.121 to 2.060 and dry biomass from 251.4 to 586.8 g m-2 per quadrat. Correlation analyses linked a decrease in the number of taxa and functional diversity with an increase in biomass and specific leaf area. Functional diversity is positively correlated with the number of taxa, plant dry matter content and leaf dry matter content. It is necessary to conduct this type of research in other grassland communities in Croatia to obtain more detailed insights into the relations of these parameters.

Interreligious Dialogue in Croatia

The aim of this article is to present the situation and various factors related to interreligious dialogue in Croatia. The article is divided into four parts. Firstly, the author briefly elaborates on the historical and geopolitical context of Croatia. That is followed by a presentation of data on national minorities and religious communities in Croatia and a reflection on their legal and social status. The third part outlines various bodies involved in interreligious dialogue at the state, religious and academic levels, as well as at the level of independent associations and organizations. The final part delivers a brief overview of significant initiatives in the field of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, which are often linked in Croatia. The author concludes that interreligious dialogue in Croatia has great potential and that further efforts are still needed in the development of ecumenical and interreligious awareness and cooperation, due to the theological and moral imperatives of religion itself and the goal of building peaceful and harmonious coexistence in a post-conflict context that characterizes Croatia and this part of Europe.

If school walls could talk: A mixed-method study of physical space marking in promoting multiculturalism

Combining two qualitative and a quantitative method, we explored whether school’s physical environment promotes multicultural values or reflects intergroup climate in two multiethnic communities in Croatia. Croatia offers unique context for this study because minority youth from two ethnic groups use their right on minority language education and hence attend separate minority schools. Results show that the representation of ethnic symbols in schools is a reflection of inter-ethnic relations in the specific intergroup context. Specifically, ethnic symbols are overrepresented in the post-conflict context compared to the more harmonious multi-ethnic community. In harmonious intergroup context, multiculturality is promoted by emphasizing common identity, and by giving space to symbols of both minority and majority group. However, in the conflicted intergroup setting we found overrepresentation of symbols emphasizing intergroup differences. Results of focus groups as well as of the quantitative survey confirm that schools physical environment reflects intergroup relations in each community.

Three types of underdeveloped communities in Croatia: Latent, collapsed, and disorganized communities

ABSTRACT Article proposes a typology of underdeveloped communities in Croatia based on types ofsocial change and dimensions of the community. The research isdesigned as a cross-case analysis with seven municipalities 10 represented by 29 experts in total. Three types of underdeveloped communities are recognized: latent communities have solid social fabric but do not have mobilized formal structures and are facing inertia as a type of social change; collapsed communities that have low capacity to handle incremental social changes or transitions; and disorganized communities that have faced dramatic social change and certain catastrophic events, have their structurere shaped, and struggle to organize a new community on the grounds of previous one. A common pattern that emerged between the cases is a lack of adequate community response to specific social change. All of these communities had difficulties in managinge conomic transition in early 90’s and significant demographic changes reshaped existing lifestyles.

The beginnings of schism within the Jewish communities in Croatia: echoes of the Hungarian Jewish Congress (1868–69)

ABSTRACT The legal autonomy in religious and ecclesiastical affairs enjoyed by the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia enabled the regulation of the status of Jews. Since representatives of the Croatian Jewish communities did not participate in the 1868–69 Hungarian Jewish Congress, its decisions were not formally binding upon them. Nevertheless, the Congress and its outcomes resulted in the separation of the local communities into Orthodox and Neolog ones, and the legal and political resolution of the pending issues pertaining to their split resulted in the application of the Congress’s decisions.

Current Political Situation among Members of the Slovene Community in Croatia

Abstract The article offers an analysis of the status of the members of the Slovene community in Croatia with special focus on their participation in public political life. Their inclusion into public political life is highly important for the status of the minority. Slovenes in Croatia are well known to be apolitical, refusing to publicly identify themselves as members of the Slovene minority. Their lack of activity in politics contributes to their less favourable status, manifested above all in the acquisition of certain rights.

The Limits of Legal Discourse

Based on fieldwork interviews conducted in 2015–16 with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer-identified individuals who are from or living in small towns and rural communities in Croatia, this article draws from the personal experiences of these individuals and the ways in which they describe negotiating sexual difference, discrimination, and homophobia in their communities. This analysis reflects on the importance of locating antidiscrimination legal mechanisms in local contexts to assess the degree to which such an approach can address institutional and systemic discrimination based on sexual difference. The article explores how small town and rural contexts can raise specific concerns about the efficacy of antidiscrimination legislation as it has been developed in the EU and Croatia, and calls into question the neoliberal, individualist, and reactive legislative approach to the protection of sexual human rights. Finally, the article analyzes a recent survey/research on discrimination in the workplace that was conducted as a collaborative effort between several LGBTI and human rights organizations in Croatia and how these strategies can (re)produce neoliberal discourses of market incentives and diversity management in the workplace rather than address the structural inequalities that produce and enable discrimination.