Original scientific paper
Social Aspirations and Chances of Realization of the Succeeding Generation of Scientists
Ivan Cifrić
; Odsjek za sociologiju, Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu
Abstract
This contribution was written on the basis of the results of the research project »The Social Position of University Assistants in the Socialist Republic of Croatia«. The opinions of younger scientists (university assistants) on their social and professional aspirations and on chances of their realization are presented, those having a close connection with their scientific work.
The results demonstrated professional aspirations being preponderant to social aspirations. The most significant are those values having the closest connection with the scientific (professional) activities, professional promotion coming second, social status after that, and the craving for social power coming the last. The principal interest of the younger generation of scientists is scientific work, while much less personal (professional and social) status. However, there probably is a part motives and aspirations concerning social promotion and respectability hidden within the scientific interests.
By a comparison of aspirations and chances for their realization the lesser interests concerning social esteem as compared to the one concerned professional advancement becomes evident. The differences between aspirations and chances with respect to individual values have been demonstrated. Aspirations prevailing over the chances for their realization have been established with respect to the following values: »good conditions for creative work«, »performing a socially useful task«, and »good material situation«. Aspirations lesser than chances have been established for the following values: »respectable social position « and »possibilities of political engagement«. Aspirations equalizing chances — in the opinion of the assistants — exist with respect to »gaining esteem professionally« and »influential position in the society«.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
155952
URI
Publication date:
30.6.1981.
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