Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5673/sip.61.1.10
Knowledge of Social Space – Motives and Intentions of Youth for Migrating within the European Union
Aleksandar Vukić
orcid.org/0009-0006-3828-0425
; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Marina Perić Kaselj
orcid.org/0000-0003-4513-841X
; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Filip Škiljan
orcid.org/0000-0001-7979-1359
; Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In this article, on the basis of primary quantitative and qualitative data obtained through
survey research and structured in-depth interviews in focus groups, as well as secondary statistical
data, we investigate the intentions and motives of young people for migrating from
the Republic of Croatia. The theoretical approach relies on Parsons/Merton’s functionalism,
the phenomenological sociology of Shutz, Berger and Luckmann and Braudel’s conception of
space in the global capitalist system. The data interpretation methodology is based on Luhmann’s
constructivist epistemology, whose central postulate is the observation of the observer.
The results show that the respondents have strong knowledge about the spatial features of their
living situation. The decision to migrate is the result of a conscious and rational decision that
stems from good information about the situation in Croatia and the countries to which one
wants to migrate. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that:
1) Young people see the possibility of migrating to one of the EU countries as a form of internal
migration; 2) young people whose parents or grandparents worked abroad are more
inclined to migrate; 3) most respondents are not inclined to leave Croatia; 4) most respondents
do not intend to stay abroad permanently.
Keywords
migrants; youth; Croatia; European Union; observation; communication topic; knowledge of the situation
Hrčak ID:
303954
URI
Publication date:
29.5.2023.
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