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CULTURES AND BORDERS International Scientific Conference Vršac, 6th to 8th October 2011 Programme Book of abstracts

IBiSS

Ethnographic institute of the SASA (Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts) is the central institution on national level for systematical research of folk culture, folk life and customs, ethnogenesis and ethnic identity of Serbs and other nations, as well as for research of contemporary ethnic processes.

The Institute deals with ethnic identity of Serbs in Serbia and abroad, and with ethnic communities in our country. Also, our research interests include traditional patterns and values of folk culture (material, social and religious culture) and processes of change of population structure influenced by dynamic development and transition which is characterized by constant migrations. We are also focused on modernization and advancement of methodological and theoretical research of regional, thematic and general anthropological topics and problems.

Ethnographic institute of the SASA has so far collected and published comprehensive ethnographic data and has organized many scientific conferences. Generations of devoted researchers and scientists working in the Institute attended throughout decades to Institute's efforts in field of publishing and international cooperation.

Institute's previous and present pursuits could be segmented into several research periods.

By mid 1980's, the concept of fundamental ethnic researches prevailed, and field-work was carried out throughout almost entire Serbia – those research activities included: ethnic composition of regions, habitation culture, traditional architecture, traditional economy, customs, folklore, and research of cultural transformations caused by industrialization and urbanization, and by massive public works (building of Kolubara basin, Djerdap power plant, railway line Belgrade-Bar etc.). Urban areas were also systematically dealt with. Results of all these researches were issued in Institute's editions.

Changes occurred in 1990s, with massive displacements of population that resulted in cultural admixture – these processes weren't encompassed by organized anthropological research due to, in first instance, dissolution of former Yugoslavia and the war, and lack of interest (and funds) for such research.

Research of contemporary ethnic processes was initiated again in this century. It includes research of folk culture, ethnic identities, interethnic communications, cultural adaptations, principles of social relations, and relations towards minorities in multicultural Serbia.