Research

First | 2006-2008

 Research "Language"  

Year: 2008

The main topic of the research „Language” is state language knowledge, attitudes towards language and its usage. The research focuses mostly on Latvian inhabitants, whose native language is not Latvian. The studies of this kind have been conducted since 1996, and this was the 13th research project on this topic. The systematically obtained data allow to observe how status of Latvian language is gradually becoming stable in the environment of fierce competition. It can be seen by improvement of Latvian language skills, stable Latvian language speaking habits and positive attitude towards speaking Latvian among non-Latvians. The questions that are asked Latvians about their Russian language skills allow to compare the dynamics of both language skills over the last decade. Report (.pdf)

 National Holidays and Their Celebration for the Unity of Society

Year: 2008

realizing by financial assistance of the European Union (PHARE) and BISS

The aim of the project was to give broad analysis of national holiday celebration that was based on the study of national holidays (1st of May, 4th of May, 11th of November (Lacplesa Day) and 18th of November) in 2007. The research included observations of holiday events, representative survey of inhabitants and focus group discussions, interviews with organizers and experts of national holidays, as well as analysis of national holiday representation in mass media. Authors of the research point not only at existing problems but also give many ideas and practical recommendations to improve national holiday celebration. Research report (.pdf)

Photographies from participant observations: May 2007 (.wmv) | November 2007 (.wmv)

 Research projects and informational documents within the framework of a project "Open Labour Market for Women"  

Years: 2005 - 2007

BISS has conducted two research projects and prepared five informational documents within the framwork of a project called "Open Labour Market for Women", which was financed by the European Communities' EQUAL Project.

The two studies: (1) "A Study of Factors which Determine the Ability of Women to Become Involved in the Labour Market" and (2) a study called "Human Trafficking in Latvia: Sterotypes and a Description of the Prevailing Situation". The informational documents: (1) Representation of Gender Roles in the Teen Media; (2) The Experience of Other Countries with Positive Discrimination: Policy; (3) The Experience of Other Countries with Positive Discrimination: At Companies; (4) The The Experience of Other Countries with Positive Discrimination: In Education; (5) Gender Proportions of Instructors in Professional Educational Programmes: Analysis of Statistical Data.

A summary of the two studies and of the most extensive informational document - "Representation of Gender Roles in the Teen Media" (.pdf).

 YiES "Youth and Inter Ethnic Schools - Actions Against Inter Ethnic Violence among Pupils at School"  

Years: 2005 - 2007

EU DAPHNE PROGRAM 04-1/183/Y

YiES project aims at defining and raising awareness on possible methods for dealing with interethnic conflicts in schools. To achieve this purpose YiES project proposes a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon in four European countries – Latvia, Germany, Italy and Spain, throughout the active involvement of students and school staff within selected schools, in order to identify good practises in each country involved.

Project consists of three parts: (1) Desk research: description of educational system, statistics on ethnic diversity in schools and previously conducted studies (.pdf); (2) Study in schools – interviews and focus group discussions on ethnic relations and conflicts at schools with students, teachers and school personnel (.pdf); (3) Good practices for ethnic conflict prevention identified in all countries involved (.pdf).

 Integration Practice and Perspectives  

Year: 2006

financial assistance of the European Union and the Republic of Latvia

The study “Integration Practice and Perspectives” was focused on the processes of integration in society and the main integration agents. There were five areas of research which help to study the main integration agents: (1) The role of the press in constructing collective identities, (2) A study of the dynamics of political integration, (3) The NGO sector as an agent for public integration, (4) The positions of the political elite vis-à-vis issues of public integration, (5) A study of the processes of public integration. Report (.pdf)