Samopercepcija društvenog položaja invalida domovinskog rata
Self-Perception of the Social Status of Disabled Ex-Soldiers (Invalids) from the Croatian Homeland War

Summary/Abstract: This study deals with the status of disabled veterans of the Croatian Homeland War from their own perspective. In its introduction we can find the legislative considering the population of war veterans, and the way society treats them – the disabled veterans in particular. In the qualitative research, which was conducted in November 2007, 17 veterans who have the status of disabled veterans of the Croatian Homeland War participated. The method used was a half-structured interview. The aim of the research was to get insight into the disabled veterans' personal experiences and attitudes that are related to their opinions and experiences in connection with their social status. The research results have shown that a number of categories are of importance for their status in society: stigmatisation, stereotypisation through media, dissatisfaction with the system of care for the population of Homeland War veterans, unsatisfactory legislative and political condition, generally bad social status, and the need for active social participation. The protective factors that help war veterans in their everyday lives were grouped by them into five categories: family and friends as protective factors, self- -respect as a defence mechanism, feeling useful, positive treatment and respect from society in general. They expressed their vision of the future in three categories: blurred image of the future, making an effort to preserve health and helping fellow-soldiers. Generally, we can conclude that disabled war veterans are unsatisfied with their status in society, and that they want to actively participate in its processes. They stress the importance of the respect of human dignity and the importance of social support. They see their own future through solidarity among themselves and in making an effort towards rehabilitation and health preservation.

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