Department of Sociology, Faculty of Croatian Studies University of Zagreb

🎄 Season’s Greetings from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Croatian Studies 🎄 As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year filled with important achievements: Organized the scientific colloquium “New Residents of Zagreb – Contemporary Labor Migrations,” highlighting key societal challenges and opportunities. Collaborated with Cambridge University and Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, enriching our teaching and research efforts. Students engaged in educational visits to institutions like the European Parliament Office and the Ministry of Regional Development, fostering practical opportunities. Presented research on digital literacy, AI, and migration at international conferences, confirming the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Hosted inspiring SOC Meet-up events connecting students with real-world practices in marketing, HR, and sales. Celebrated Erika Bernić, recipient of the Rector's Award, her mentor Assistant Professor, PhD Erik Brezovec, and Assistant Professor, PhD Ivan Perkov for their outstanding contributions. Welcomed a record-breaking number of applicants, making our sociology program the most attractive in Croatia! In 2025, we will continue contributing to Croatian society through research, education, and initiatives that strengthen ties between academia and practice. Thank you all for being part of our journey. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year! 🎉 #Sociology #AcademicExcellence #CommunityEngagement

🖤 Expression of Sympathy and Condolence We are deeply shaken by the tragic event at the Elementary School in Prečko. Our thoughts are with the family of the child who tragically did not return home from school, as well as with the children and teacher recovering from physical injuries. We also stand in solidarity with everyone who will carry the invisible scars of this tragedy for years to come. This is a moment of silence and sorrow, but also a call to reflect on how we, as a society, can build a safer and more supportive world—one where such wounds can truly heal. It is our shared responsibility to work toward recovery and strengthening our community. On behalf of the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, we express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire school community. All of us at the Department stand united in grief and support. #Condolences #Support #Community

📢 Scientific Colloquium: "New Residents of Zagreb – Contemporary Labor Migrations" On December 19, the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies hosted a colloquium exploring labor migrations. The event highlighted challenges foreign workers face in Croatia, from recruitment and employment to integration. Presentations by Associate Professors Marica Marinović Golubić and Ivan Perkov focused on workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, as well as the experiences of delivery workers and taxi drivers in Zagreb. Margareta Gregurović, PhD, Senior Research Associate from the Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, presented collaborative research emphasizing the role of intermediary agencies and addressing discrimination issues. A panel discussion featured experts from Ministry of Interior who provided insights on policy improvements. The event underscored the importance of dialogue and understanding in today’s multicultural society. Read more: https://bit.ly/3VOTcbc #LaborMigration #Sociology #Integration

📢 Scientific Colloquium "New Residents of Zagreb" Join us at the Faculty of Croatian Studies on Thursday, December 19, at 2:30 PM (Vukovar Hall) for a scientific colloquium dedicated to contemporary labor migrations and the social changes they bring. 🔍 Program Highlights: Presentation of research findings: Assoc. Prof. Marica Marinović Golubić, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Ivan Perkov, PhD (Faculty of Croatian Studies). Expert insights from the Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies: Dr. Margareta Gregurović Dr. Snježana Gregurović Dr. Simona Kuti Panel discussion: Scientists and practitioners, including Slobodan Marendić, Advisor to the Minister of the Interior, and Paško Ugrina, Head of Prevention Affairs at the Split-Dalmatia Police Department. 🎯 Panel Focus: Challenges and opportunities of labor migrations – interdisciplinary perspectives from science and practice. This colloquium is open to students, faculty, and the wider professional community. Join us and contribute to the discussion on one of today's key societal issues! 📍 Faculty of Croatian Studies, Vukovar Hall 🗓️ Thursday, December 19, at 2:30 PM #ScientificColloquium #LaborMigrations #SocialChange #InterdisciplinaryApproach #FacultyOfCroatianStudies

📢 Check out the interview with our Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Perkov on 24sata.hr 🎙️Assistant professor Ivan Perkov shares insights on the challenges and realities faced by foreign workers in Croatia. 🌍 "We want a better life, but they beat us, steal from us, and insult us because of our language," highlights the difficult experiences of many seeking opportunities abroad. Let's start the conversation on how we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for all. 🌟

📢 Study Visit of Sociology Students to the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds Students of the courses Local and Regional Development of Croatia and Elections and Social Laws, led by Associate Professor @Ivan Perkov, PhD, visited the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds. During the visit, they learned about the Ministry's work, including ITU projects, cohesion policy, and territorial cooperation. We are especially excited about the newly launched initiative to enable sociology graduate students to undertake internships at the Ministry, providing valuable experience in working on EU-funded projects. Read more https://bit.ly/3ZzfCOF

📢 Self-Efficacy as a Key to Developing Digital Literacy: Presentation at an International Conference Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dario Pavić from the Department of Sociology presented his research at the 10th International Scientific Conference on Adult Education: Perspectives for the Development of Adult Education in the Upcoming Decade. The conference, held on December 5th and 6th at the Faculty of Teacher Education in Zagreb, was organized by the Croatian Andragogy Society, the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education, and faculties from Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split. In his presentation titled "Self-Efficacy as a Determinant of Digital Literacy: The Case of Adult Education Program Participants in Croatia", conducted in collaboration with Dr. Iva Černja Rajter (Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences), Pavić highlighted self-efficacy as a crucial predictor of digital skills. His findings reveal that self-efficacy—an individual’s belief in their abilities—has a stronger influence on digital literacy than social or economic factors. The research also introduced a feedback-loop model linking self-efficacy and digital literacy, emphasizing the importance of motivational factors in education. Pavić proposed tailored programs to enhance computer self-efficacy, bridging the digital divide and empowering adults to confidently use digital technologies. Find out more: https://bit.ly/49lQI9T #DigitalLiteracy #SelfEfficacy #AdultEducation #LifelongLearning #Sociology

📢 AI and Education: Challenges and Perspectives On December 5th, at the 4th International Interdisciplinary Congress in Osijek, two presentations from the Department of sociology of the Faculty of Croatian Studies examined the impact of artificial intelligence on education. Dr. Erik Brezovec, Uršula Čulinović, and Josip Ježovita explored the systemic interactions between education systems, generative AI, and individuals. Marija Zelić, Ana Marija Dunaj, and Dr. Ivana Radić presented research on sociology students' perceptions of ethical risks associated with AI tools like ChatGPT. Both talks highlighted the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understand AI’s role in education and guide the development of future ethical standards. 🖇️ https://bit.ly/4f6TFMS #AI #Education #Research

Read the comment by our Assistant Professor Dr. Ivan Perkov on the attitude towards foreign workers in Croatia.

🎉 Pride of the Department of Sociology: Congratulations to Erika Bernić! We are thrilled to celebrate our student, Erika Bernić, who has been awarded the prestigious Rector's Award in the category of individual scientific and artistic work (one or two authors). This recognition highlights her dedication, hard work, and excellence in sociology studies. A special congratulations also goes to her mentor, Assistant Professor Dr. Erik Brezovec, for his invaluable guidance and support. 📖 Read the full interview at the link: http://bit.ly/3B73ixa 👏 Let's all join in celebrating this incredible accomplishment!