IN EXPECTATION OF THE THEORY: GROUNDED THEORY METHOD

This paper explores the grounded theory method as one of the research strategies within a qualitative approach to research which is widely used in social sciences in areas such as sociology, education, political science as well as others. At the beginning we generally indicate what the essence of grounded theory method is. We analyze the steps that form integral parts of the method like data collection, creation of codes and concepts, hypotheses about connections and ultimately generation of the theory. We particularly highlight significant principles that characterize the grounded theory method such as theoretical sampling, method of constant comparison and application of theoretical saturation. Analyses served to comprehend the importance and role of all parts of the process of grounded theory method and requirements which it place upon researchers who want it use it successfully. Apart from detail analyses of every aspect of grounded theory method in possible application of the method, we deal with some criticism, complaints and doubts about how to use the method to realize possible shortcomings. They are related to the general qualitative approach but also to the requirements of methodological rigor that are placed in front of researchers and the specificities related to way of generating theory. Based on the above we discuss the reach of grounded theory method such as its possible applications. In conclusion, we stress the importance and highlight possible future perspective of the grounded theory method as a research strategy within a qualitative approach

The Concept of Social Investment in Response to the Crisis and the New Challenges of the Welfare State: Trends and Perspectives

Kontekst današnjih rasprava o socijalnim politikama obilježen je negativnim učincima ekonomske krize te novim socijalnim rizicima. Postoji potreba za redizajniranjem socijalne države koja bi trebala uzeti u obzir nove izazove i trendove, uključujući demografske, promjene na tržištu rada i obiteljskoj strukturi. Kao mogući odgovor na navedene promjene i izazove novih socijalnih rizika, posebice u zemljama EU-a, javlja se koncept socijalnog ulaganja. Rad prikazuje i analizira koncept socijalnih investicija, njegov razvoj i ukorijenjenost u europskom prostoru. Prikazuju se odrednice socijalnog ulaganja i kako se koncept pojavljuje u europskim strateškim dokumentima te se osvrće na kritike koncepta. Socijalno ulaganje je nov koncept koji u svojoj suštini implicira dvostruki povrat ulaganja: financijski povrat investiranog kapitala i ostvarenje pozitivnog socijalnog povrata. On je fokusiran na budućnost; na podršku djeci i obitelji, radnu aktivaciju i borbu s novim socijalnih rizicima u cijelom životnom ciklusu. Analizira se, koristeći podatke koji prikazuju dugoročne promjene u strukturi socijalnih troškova europskih zemalja, koliko je koncept »zaživio« u europskom prostoru. Analiza pokazuje da se za sada ne može govoriti o zaokretu europskih socijalnih država prema socijalnom ulaganju. Izuzetak su skandinavske zemlje gdje je koncept socijalnih investicija već u velikoj mjeri zaživio kako pokazuju podaci. Koncept socijalnog ulaganja za sada ostaje više određena normativna platforma politika za balansiranje ekonomske i socijalne logike socijalne države u novim uvjetima. Međutim, očito je da koncept socijalnog ulaganja postaje dijelom socijalnih politika i ostaje vidjeti kako će se razvijati u budućnosti kao pokušaj novog promišljanja i načina djelovanja socijalne države.The context of today\u27s debates about social policies is marked by the negative effects of the economic crisis and new social risks. There is a need for re-designing of the welfare state, which should take into account the new changes and trends, including demographic changes, changes in the labour market and family structure. As a possible answer to the aforementioned social changes and new social risks, especially in the EU countries, a concept of social investment is developing. The paper presents the characteristics of social investment, the way in which it appears in European strategic documents and refers to the criticism of the concept. Social investment is a new concept which in its essence implies a double return on investment: financial return on invested capital on the one hand and the achievement of positive social returns on the other. It is focused on the future; on support of the children and families, work activation and coping with new social risks throughout the life cycle. The authors have analyzed, using the data that show the long-term changes in the structure of social costs in European countries, to what extent has the concept \u27come to life\u27 in the European area. The analysis shows that, for now, there is no significant shift in European welfare states towards social investment, with the exception of the Scandinavian countries, and therefore we cannot speak about its achievements and effectiveness. The concept of social investment for now remains a normative platform and an ambiguous policy attempt for reconciling economic and social logic of the welfare state in new conditions. Nevertheless, social investment is becoming a part of social policy and it remains to be seen how much will it be further encouraged as an attempt to respond to new social risks and a possible way of re-thinking the welfare state