"Auf unserem Papier findet das meiste gleichzeitig statt": Zum Projekt der Gegenweltgeschichte in Günter Grass' "Der Butt" in kulturökologischer Perspektive

Author(s): Nathalie Kónya-Jobs / Language(s): German / Issue: 18/2021

In this article, the novel The Flounder is re-read from the perspective of environmental literary criticism and with a view to the highly topical issues of education for sustainable development. The line of argument moves along the central questions for Grass’s work about the importance of fairy tales and myths for literary-anthropological processes of the formation of meaning, his Enlightenment criticism, his critical understanding of history, his poetics of ‚Vergegenkunft‘ and his examination of feminism, ecology and dystopian visions of the post-human age. The article closes with an outlook on relevant research desiderata. An overview table for a selection of thematic, relevant works should serve as an inspiration to rediscover Grass as a representative of ecocriticism in schools and universities.

(Ab)use of Social Capital: An Indelible Negative Impression on Nigerian Socio-Political and Institutional Outfits

Author(s): Samuel O. Okafor,Cordelia O. Idoko,Jennifer E. Obidiebube,Rita C. Ume / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2021

Social capital in sociology, economics, psychology and allied disciplines had been explored mostly, in the direction of its positive utility values in the society. However, the phenomenon has more negative impacts on the public institutions of the developing nations, especially with regard to the roles of these institutions to the sustainable development agenda. While bureaucracy especially its impersonal principle has helped the developed nations to control the vulnerability of public institutions to social capital, inability of the developing nations to objectively follow bureaucratic principle has made their public institutions vulnerable to the abuse of social capital driven by ethnic/religious affiliations. Hence, this adverse social capital scenario, has generated a public service environment, where people are employed or appointed based on their proximity to powerful ethnic and religious groups. By extension, this has had far-reaching negative consequences on the development and sustainability in these nations as mediocre manpower continues to undermine efficiency and promote the culture of perpetual underdevelopment. In this paper, we expanded on the above notion using available secondary data in Nigeria and linking the dominant notions of social capital to bridge the gap in literature on social capital and public institutions in Nigeria.

(Im)mobility Subcontracted: Nesting Hierarchies, Uneven Distributions and the ‘Roma Inclusion’ Projects in Europe

Author(s): Jan Grill / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2020

This paper explores social mobilities and trajectories in relation to particular mechanisms of subcontracting and of unequal distribution of capitals in the emerging field of EU funded projects for poor and socially excluded populations in Europe. It discusses some of the struggles for possible mobilities and its limits amidst continuing production and reproduction of privileges, disadvantages and structural orders in these project-cum-policy worlds constraints. By examining a particular case of a large-scale and multi-sited project and other similar project schemes, described by some of its proponents as one of the most ‘participatory’ projects for Roma in Europe, the article illustrates particular mechanisms of power and knowledge reproduction that facilitates some kinds of mobilities while also reproducing certain constraints and limits on these possibilities (for some subjects and some social trajectories). It develops an ethnographic critique of situated and nesting hierarchies of management and brokerage leading to reproduction of particular setups, privileges, unequal economic distribution and (mis)recognitions of capitals, which allows for particular emergence of particular kinds of contested ‘expertise’ in the uneven field of so-called ‘Roma inclusion’.

(rec.) Michał Jakub Wagner, „Interpretacje rozwoju biologii ewolucyjnej na przełomie XIX i XX wieku”

Author(s): Adam Świeżyński / Language(s): Polish / Issue: 2/2021

The author of this publication undertook the task of analyzing the interpretations of the “eclipse of Darwinism” proposed so far in order to determine to what extent they correspond to reality. Having made his findings in this regard, he concluded that none of them adequately accounted for the collapse that struck Darwin’s theory during that period. Therefore, he decided to propose his own interpretation of the “eclipse of Darwinism,” he refers mainly to philosophical determinants of the Darwinian theory of evolution.

(Z)rozumieć czas wolny. Przeobrażenia, tożsamość, doświadczanie

Author(s): Dorota Mroczkowska / Language(s): Polish

The idea of the book: Understanding Leisure. Transformations, Identity, Experience is to attempt to understand leisure in its core dimensions related to change, identity, and experience. It is essential to create a comprehensive picture of leisure as a cognitive, interactive, symbolic and emotional category, rather than creating the fundamental definition and way of thinking about it. Taking inspiration from such theoretical orientations as symbolic interactionism, phenomenology, existentialism, sociology of everyday life (Berger, Luckman 1983; Kelly 1972, 1996, 2003, 2012; Kelly, Godbey 1992; Giddens 2001, 2003; de Certeau 2008, 2011; Kaufman 2013), inspiration from the psychology of experience (Csikszentmihalyi 2005), postmodernism (Rojek 1995, 2005, 2010), and also border theories (Nippert-Eng1996; Zerubavel1991), allows leisure to be thought of as a dynamic, socially and culturally variable category, located at the intersection of micro and macro social processes, and associated with the dynamics of individuals' experiences. At the same time, referring to the reflexive methodology enables us to maximize perception and understanding of leisure by using various research methods and techniques (Strauss 1993; Shaw 1997; Dupuis 1999; Freeman 2001; Giddens 2001; Fischer-Rosenthal 2005; Feighery 2006; Denzin, Lincoln 2010). The aim of the first part, Transformations, is to look at the historical and social processes of leisure. The following chapters of this part is related to essential processes that characterize and stimulate its development and transformations, such as industrialization, urbanization, mass media and technology, commercialization, globalization, and acceleration. These processes have contributed to the situation today where we are faced with several questions, problems, or challenges concerning the identity of leisure, which in turn will be discussed in the second part, entitled The identity. As the reader will notice, the aim of this section is not to revolutionize thinking about leisure. I also do not want to come down on the side of a crisis or outdated sociology of leisure. Above all, I want to refer to the key processes within the sub-discipline that, in connection with the evolution of the theory and practice of leisure, and the transformations taking place in contemporary reality, make it possible to reflect on its status. The third part of the book, Towards the Method, aims to present research assumptions based on a hermeneutical-interpretative perspective and a reflexive methodology. The fourth part entitled: Experience, is based on my longitudinal studies, and introduces the reader to the meanings, experiences and emotions of leisure performed in various situational contexts. In the subsequent chapters of the book, analyses of different types of research material are combined, and the methods and techniques used deepen the accumulated knowledge. I refer to existing data: the North American and the European surveys and time-budget studies, international comparative research, and smaller European research projects, as well as surveys and budget studies in Poland. On the other hand, I refer to my research projects, which were conducted in Poland and are based on qualitative methodologies, and explore the everyday understanding of leisure. The book is written from a local perspective, and the main points of reference are the two dominant traditions of leisure - the American and the European schools. It is worth emphasizing that the category of leisure is not universal, but is assigned to a particular cultural, geographical, and historical formation called modernity. Leisure becomes essential in a particular type of society and constitutes one of its essential aspects.

12. Dani Bosanskohercegovačko-američke akademije umjetnosti i nauka (BHAAAS) u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): Bosnian,English / Issue: 2/2021

12. Dani Bosanskohercegovačko-američke akademije umjetnosti i nauka (BHAAAS) u Bosni i Hercegovini. Međunarodni simpozij iz društvenih i humanističkih nauka Mostar, 24 – 27. juni 2021. Godine / 12th Annual Days of Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Social Sciences and Humanities Symposium Mostar, June 24th – June 27th, 2021

150 years after the birth of Rosa Luxemburg: Actuality of her “Social Reform or Revolution”

Author(s): Vera A. Vratuša Žunjić / Language(s): English,Serbian / Issue: 3/2021

The paper examines the actuality of Rosa Luxemburg’s Reform or revolution 150 years after her birth. The main method used is the content analysis of this important polemical pamphlet placed in the context of the time/space, i.e. when and where it was written, on the one hand, and today, on the other. The main finding is that Rosa’s work has remained relevant to our days since the capitalist mode of production is still characterized by internal contradictions producing barbaric consequences of exploitation and imperialist wars. These capitalist system’s consequences ensure the permanent actuality of the dilemma between socialism and barbarism confronted by Rosa Luxemburg throughout her life.

25 Years of Public Administration Developments and Reforms in V4 region

Author(s): / Language(s): English

This publication deals with the public administration development in Visegrad member states during the last 25 years. The first four chapters describe development of public administration in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. In the last chapter are summarized approaches to public administration development and discussed good praxis that was used during reforms in mentioned states.

4-oji nacionalinė mokslinė konferencija LETA 2020: Švietimas ir ugdymas, jungiantys bendruomenes

Author(s): Monika Orechova / Language(s): Lithuanian / Issue: 45/2020

2020 m. spalio 9 d. įvyko 4-oji nacionalinė mokslinė konferencija „Švietimas ir ugdymas, jungiantys bendruomenes“, ją organizavo Vilniaus universiteto Ugdymo mokslų institutas ir Lietuvos edukacinių tyrimų asociacija (LETA). Nuotoliniu būdu vykusioje konferencijoje pranešimus skaitė daugiau nei 70 dalyvių, konferenciją stebėjo per 200 klausytojų.

4th International Scientific Conference SEC - IASR 2019

Author(s): Simona Marin,Petronel Moisescu / Language(s): English

4th International Scientific Conference "Sports, Education, Culture - Interdisciplinary Approaches in Scientific Research", SEC-IASR 2019, Galati, Romania, 7th – 8th June, 2019

A bibliometric analysis on dependency theory

Author(s): Saleh Arman,Tazin Ahmed / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2021

Dependency theory, established after World War II, is a popular theory among economists to portray the relationship between the underdeveloped and the developed countries that conditions the ability of the underdeveloped countries to develop. Several concepts have been merged into this area from different corners, making it interdisciplinary. As a lucrative area of interest in research, the study would like to assess how the concept of dependency theory has been widely accepted among authors from different corners and schools of thoughts and how their research outputs make a significant notation in this area. The research conducted a bibliometric analysis on dependency theory. 1074 Scopus indexed documents in English were considered. The study covered the two pillars of bibliography analysis: performance analysis and science mapping. The study used several formulas to calculate parameters of performance analysis and availed Vosviewer software to make maps of science-mapping analysis. The study concluded that dependency theory is a significant theory in economics and has significant implications in different research publications. This bibliometric analysis surfaces the significance of this theory which would attract researchers in incorporating more interdisciplinary research.

A capital contribution to the Serbian diaspora studies

Professor Vladimir Grečić, PhD, Serbian Creative Intelligence in the Diaspora, Novi Sad: Matica srpska, 2019, 350 pp.

Author(s): Ljubiša R. Mitrović / Language(s): English,Serbian / Issue: 1/2021

The paper presents a review of the studies in relation to the matter of external migrations conducted by Professor Vladimir Grečić and, in particular, his latest book Serbian Creative Intelligence in the Diaspora. The conclusion is that the value of this monograph is not only in its scholarly contribution to the perception of this important matter, but also in its relevance to the rational establishment of a strategy and upgrading of Serbia’s public policy in the area of home country-diaspora relationship.

A Competitive Analysis of East African Cement Companies using the High Performance Organisation Framework

Author(s): André de Waal,Evans Makini Osano / Language(s): English / Issue: 4/2020

Sub-standard infrastructure is one of the most significant challenges for economic development in East Africa. Specifically, the availability of affordable, locally produced cement is critical to infrastructural and economic development and job creation in the region. Thus, it is critical for cement companies to achieve better operational and financial results so they can satisfy the need for higher-quality cement for infrastructure projects and to deal with increasing environmental issues. In this article we evaluate, using de Waal’s high performance organisations (HPO) framework, the quality of three cement companies in Kenya and Tanzania to identify improvements these companies can make to their internal organisation and operations so they can achieve better financial and operational results. The research results indicate that whilst all three companies were yet to achieve HPO status, the best performing company with the highest HPO score also had the best financial performance over the past 10 years. The research also resulted in a series of recommendations on the basis of the weaknesses identified in the cement companies.

A contribution to the sociological study of population: Suzana Marković Krstić (2021), Population in the Sociological Context, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Niš, Niš, 331 pp.

Author(s): Nenad M. Stanojević / Language(s): English,Serbian / Issue: 1/2022

The paper presents a review of the textbook Population in the Sociological Context by Professor Suzana Marković Krstić, PhD. At the beginning, the importance of the sociological study of population is indicated, as well as the necessity of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in studying this topic. Then the structure of the textbook is given, with the analysis of the key matters of the sociological study of population the author deals with.

A meritorious research in a pandemic context

Author(s): Adrian Dinu Rachieru / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2022

Alienation as a source of political decomposition of society

Author(s): Petar M. Matić,Miša S. Stojadinović / Language(s): English,Serbian / Issue: 1/2022

There are plenty of challenges brought by modern society. Globalisation, modernisation, transition processes, social conflicts and off-the-charts development of technology have resulted in the world changing at overwhelming rates on a daily basis. In such circumstances, the individual finds himself/herself alienated from society. The aim of this paper is to analyse the complexities of the phenomenon of alienation in political theory, as a significant indicator of the collapse of democratic institutions. Following a detailed analysis of theories that are relevant for understanding political alienation, the paper at the same time presents experiences and perspectives of relevance for comprehending political alienation in the Republic of Serbia.

Amalgamated territorial communities as a basis for the introduction of decentralization of power in Ukraine

Author(s): Oleksandr M. Nepomnyashchyy,Oleksandra A. Marusheva,Yurii H. Prav,Andrii V. Havrylov,Oleg Diegtiar / Language(s): English / Issue: SI/2022

The peculiarities of the amalgamated territorial communities as a basic condition for the introduction of a course of decentralization of power in Ukraine are considered in the article. It has been found that globalization can often exclude the democratization of the development of territorial communities and society as a whole, as there can be a gradual loss of one of the fundamental elements of democracy, namely: the right of the community to participate in the management of public affairs, especially at the local level, and therefore it was concluded that the sustainable development of the regions and the state as a whole was formed through the transfer of power to the ground, that is, decentralization. The need to define the category of "territorial community" on the basis of the scientific works of world and European economists and domestic specialists in public governance has been proved and five approaches to determining the essence of the concept of "territorial community" have been identified. The author's definition of the concept of "territorial community," which corresponds to the modern political and legal realities of Ukraine, is provided. The characteristics of an amalgamated territorial community are systematized and grouped. A complex of components has been developed that are the basis for the creation and functioning of an amalgamated territorial community of Ukraine in the context of decentralization of power. Strategic and operational problematic issues of formation and development of the amalgamated territorial communities are identified, and ways to overcome them are proposed. Incentives provided to these communities by the state and other regulators have been systematized and studied to motivate them to overcome problematic issues of formation and development of the amalgamated territorial communities of Ukraine. It has been proved that cohesion is an important factor in ensuring socio-economic development, financial self-sufficiency, and investment attractiveness of the amalgamated territorial community. It was concluded that the introduction of the institution of amalgamated territorial communities provides an opportunity for its members to receive rational assistance to solve various problems of the changing present.

Antropocentrični pristup mediološko-komunikološko-sociološkim reperkusijama digitalne revolucije

Author(s): Amina Vatreš / Language(s): Bosnian / Issue: 2/2021

Review of: Andrew Keen, Kako popraviti budućnost: Ostati čovjek u digitalnom dobu, Zagreb: Naklada Ljevak, 2018.

Băncile populare săteşti din judeţul bacău la începutul secolului al XX-lea

Author(s): Cornelia Cucu / Language(s): Romanian / Issue: XLVIII/2019

An important role in the economic and social development of Romania, at the beginning of the XXth Century, had the popular village banks, which aimed to improve the situation of the peasants through access to cheap loans, the removal of the usury and the learning of the economy. Together with cultural circles, popular libraries, adult schools and school gardens, all of them represent a component part of S. Haret’s school policy, which aimed at raising the village through extra-curricular activity of teachers. This study presents the beginnings of the cooperative movement in Bacău, insisting on the role of teachers who, like apostles, through useful advices, viable solutions and personal example, have removed the old mentalities and formed a solid economic thinking in rural areas.

'Brain Drain' in Transition of Science

Author(s): Daniela Bobeva / Language(s): English

The paper analysis the reasons why Bulgaria is one of the specific cases of science development and 'Brain Drain'. Bulgaria is one of the countries with the largest share of unemployed with higher education - 17% of all unemployed. The unemployment promotes the emigration attidues among scientist. The data indicates that the Bulgarian science personnel is ageing. Less and less young people work in the research institutions. Special measures are needed in this respect on the part of the government for encouraging young people. Before the reforms Bulgaria used to have a highest standard by the indicator "employed in science per capita".