Head and Assistant from the Department of Sociology Participate in National Youth Meeting

At the fifth national meeting of the project “Here I Am” (Evo me), held on 21 March 2026 at the Parish of the Holy Spirit in Jarun, staff members of the University Department of Sociology of the Catholic University of Croatia actively participated, contributing valuable insights to this year’s theme: “Us and Them: Encounter in a Time of Division.”

Among the speakers was Assoc. Prof. Ivana Brstilo Lovrić, PhD, Head of the University Department of Sociology, who delivered a lecture titled “From Antagonism to Community: A Sociological Perspective on Contemporary Divisions.” Drawing on the phenomenon of contemporary social polarization and the reflections of Željko Mardešić on the ambivalence of (post)modern society, she emphasized that phenomena such as consumer culture, media, social networks, and artificial intelligence simultaneously deepen divisions while also opening space for dialogue and the building of community. Other speakers included Assist. Prof. Jakov Rađa, PhD; Assist. Prof. Dan Đaković, PhD; and Prof. Krišto, PhD, who addressed the causes of polarization, challenges of dialogue, and possibilities for fostering a culture of encounter from theological, philosophical, psychological, and psychiatric perspectives.

The event organization also included Paula Zujić, Assistant at the University Department of Sociology, who, as a member of the organizing and programme team, contributed to the preparation and implementation of this national event, together with Jelena Franjić, an alumna of communication studies at the Catholic University of Croatia.

The “Evo me” project, organized by the association Točka with the support of the Salesiana publishing house, has for years gathered and empowered young people and those who work with them, attracting a large number of participants each year. This year’s national meeting brought together more than 200 participants from across Croatia.

The active participation of sociology students and doctoral candidates, as well as students from other programmes at the Catholic University of Croatia, is particularly encouraging, as their interest in contemporary social issues highlights the importance of academic, social, and faith-based engagement in Croatian society.