Perception of Recent Immigration and Integration in Croatia Considering Generational Cycles

Abstract

The increased immigration of foreigners to Croatia in the last few years, from culturally, religiously, ethnically and linguistically heterogeneous environments, indicates the need to develop a comprehensive integration policy. The results of the European Social Survey from 2020 show that, on average, Croatian citizens expressed mostly moderate and divided attitudes regarding the immigration of foreigners, but more often more positive ones. Previous research has shown that age and education are important factors in the perception of foreigners. The perception of Croatian citizens on the recent immigration of foreign workers to Croatia will be analyzed using the semi-structured interview method and with regard to different generational cycles, the so-called baby boomers and members of generations X, Y and Z. Special emphasis will be directed towards the respondents' attitudes related to learning and knowing the Croatian language as a prerequisite for more successful work, social and daily adaptation to the destination country. Other factors of the linguistic and cultural dimension of integration will be examined, in the context of the role of the educational system, local communities, the labor market, etc. in building an intercultural environment. The goal of the research is to determine the similarities and differences in the attitudes about immigration and integration in Croatia considering generational differences of the respondents, as well as their education, gender and other socio-demographic characteristics.