Patterns of Sociability and Perception of Informal Social Support in Croatia

Abstract

This paper provides insight into the nature of social ties andperceptions of sources of informal social support in Croatiawith regard to socio-demographic characteristics ofrespondents. The source of data was the European Qualityof Life Survey, which was carried out in Croatia by the UNDPCroatia. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 8114adult respondents. Linear regression was used for theanalysis of factors contributing to the frequency of contacts,while χ2-test was used for analysing perceptions of sourcesof informal social support. The results showed frequent socialinteractions within the secondary sphere of sociability, whilethe family is perceived as the primary source of informalsocial support. Gender, age, marriage or cohabitation,household size, settlement size and the income size haveappeared as the most significant predictors of the incidenceof contacts within the secondary sphere of sociability.Furthermore, while practical support is primarily based onthe family, in the need for emotional and financial support,respondents are going to turn to family and friends as well.In the case of need for emotional support, neighbours arealso perceived as important sources of support. While in theneed for financial support, individuals most often perceivedthat they had no one to turn to.