engleski

Quality of life as potential for development: Youth on Dalmatian islands

Quality of life is multidimensional concept consisting of economic, social, cultural and individual aspects (Hughes, 1990) and, therefore, it can be used as an indicator for measuring and assessing socio-economic development. Youth as potential future development stakeholder, proves to be especially sensitive to economic changes and social challenges. This is even more significant for youth on Dalmatian islands, since their future life is restrained by traditional and contingent social, cultural and economic elements of quality of life. This paper is based on research results gathered through field studies conducted in 2014 and 2015, and triangulated from 8 focus groups from islands of Vis, Korčula, Mljet and Rava (N=45), 3 expert interviews (Zadar, Dubrovnik), on-line survey (N=293, respondents from 16 Dalmatian islands) and case study research in the municipality of Tkon, island of Pašman. The research study shows that Dalmatian island youth’s quality of life heavily depends on socio-economic prospects of (future) employment. Although they are rather satisfied with economic status that is based in good personal and family relations, they are not satisfied with the level of personal autonomy and opportunities for independent life. Also, they are critical of quality of transport, educational, recreational and administrative infrastructure. They feel that their personal achievements are hindered by traditional way of life and lack of resources for both personal and structural development. Possibility of finding permanent and financially stable employment is a key predictor for their life satisfaction and staying on the island. The research data shows that highly educated young islanders express stronger desires for permanently leaving the island. Social, economic and cultural sustainability should depend on developmental policies that would provide more diverse patterns of employment as initial resource for increasing quality of life of Dalmatian island youth.

quality of life; youth; island; Dalmatia; employment; tradition; development

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