Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 96 No. 2, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.96.2.9
Changes in the Value Orientations of Croatian Citizens Based on the European Values Study (1999 – 2017): A Longitudinal Analysis of Selected Bioethical, Social and Moral Issues
Tonči Matulić
; University of Zagreb, Catholic Faculty of Theology, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Balabanić
; Institute for Migration Reserach, Zagreb, Croatia
Josip Ježovita
; Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In the paper, the authors analyse changes in the value orientations of Croatian citizens pertaining to a range of bioethical, marital, and social issues over the period from 1999 to 2017, utilising data obtained from three successive waves of the European Values Study (EVS). The topics examined include divorce, euthanasia, abortion, homosexuality, casual sex, prostitution, drug use, suicide, fare evasion in public transport, tax evasion, and bribery. The analysis reveals growing acceptance of certain behaviours, such as homosexuality, euthanasia, and abortion, while a decline in approval is observed for others, such as tax evasion and bribery. Although the majority of respondents oppose prostitution, casual sex, and the use of recreational drugs, a notable increase in their acceptance is evident across the waves studied. The results are interpreted through an interdisciplinary explanation within the broader social context with reference to the Catholic moral teaching, considering that the majority of Croatian citizens identify as Catholics. The paper provides an in-depth insight into social and moral changes in Croatian society and calls for cautious interpretation of the findings, given the relatively modest yet significant shifts in value orientations observed over time.
Keywords
European Values Study; Croatia; moral attitudes; bioethics; social ethics
Hrčak ID:
350622
URI
Publication date:
7.9.2026.
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