PristupačnostThe Department of Sociology was established in 1992 and is one of the core disciplines of the Faculty of Croatian Studies. The concept of sociology studies focuses on the application of sociological theories and social science methodology for understanding social processes and phenomena in the specific context of Croatian society and comparatively in a European and global perspective. The study of sociology aims to train highly qualified sociological research personnel with professional research and analytical skills necessary for productive work in the public and private sectors. The sociology program at the bachelor's and master's levels is organized according to current international scientific standards.
Photo: Screenshot / Novilist.hr
Professor Renato Matić, Associate Professor Andreja Sršen and Assistant Professor Ivan Perkov of the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, contributed to an analysis of the social context of violent protests in Europe for Novi list. The article by Ljerka Bratonja Martinović, entitled “Young People Caught Between Apathy and Radicalisation: The Background to the Wave of Violent Protests in Europe”, appeared in the newspaper’s print edition on Saturday, 24 October, and on its website the following day, 25 October.
Renato Matić highlighted the importance of distinguishing between the spread of protests, the adoption of violent tactics and the organised instigation of unrest. He emphasised that similar scenes in different cities do not prove coordinated organisation but may reflect similar social problems. He particularly stressed the need to examine educational conditions, housing affordability, living costs and young people’s trust in institutions. In his view, a democratic response must both protect citizens from violence and enable effective peaceful protest.
Ivan Perkov explained that protests can move away from their original demands when groups with different interests and motives join them. He stressed that the legitimacy of social discontent should be distinguished from the methods used to express it: grievances may be justified, but the resulting violence is unacceptable. He emphasised the need to understand violence as a social phenomenon without justifying it.
Andreja Sršen addressed the political dimension of protests taking place amid polarisation and declining trust in institutions. She noted that, beyond expressing discontent, protests can also become a space for political mobilisation. She highlighted the importance of balancing individual rights with social responsibility and of adopting a development model that links economic competitiveness with social security and citizens’ actual needs.
The full article is available on the Novi list website.