Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gordana Matković Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Economics, Finance and Administration (FEFA), Belgrade (Serbia) Author-Name: Boško Mijatović Author-Workplace-Name: Center for Liberal-Democratic Studies, Belgrade (Serbia) Author-Name: Katarina Stanić Author-Workplace-Name: Center for Social Policy, Belgrade (Serbia) Title: Family/Children Cash Benefits in Serbia – The Analysis and Policy Recommendations Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Around 400 thousand children in Serbia are covered with cash-benefits targeting poor children representing 31.7% of the total number of children in 2011. Additionally, around 60 thousand families receive birth grants that is more than 90% of the newly born. When it comes to child-birth related leaves, there were around 37 thousand beneficiaries in 2012. This means that around 50% of the newly born children’s parents are covered with maternity/parental leave, while the coverage of employed mothers is almost full. Coverage of the poor children, particularly by the financial social assistance (FSA), can be considered inadequate. When it comes to targeting (vertical efficiency), FSA is targeted quite well, while there is scope for improvement of the inclusion error within the child-allowance program. When the adequacy of cash benefits targeting poor children is analyzed from the perspective of meeting the basic needs, then the amount is at the verge of being acceptable and differs for different kinds of families – single parent and families with very young children (0-2) being better off. However, when compared to the minimum wage, the cumulative amount of FSA and child allowance is lower only for one- child families. Total expenditures for cash-benefits connected to children amount to 1.4%of GDP - 1.21% being related to ESSPROS family/children function and 0.18% for the FSA for families with children. When compared to the EU, the total expenditure is below the EU average, with the birth related expenditures being higher and child allowance lower than the EU average. The first group of recommendations for cash benefits aimed at families with children relate to the improvement of adequacy and coverage of benefits aiming at poverty reduction, while respecting budget constraints. The increase of benefits for children above 14 years old – increase of child allowance or/and assigning higher weights (0.5 instead of 0.3) for the FSA’s equivalence scale, seems the least controversial measure. When it comes to child allowance benefits, comparative analysis shows that it is more important to increase the coverage rather than to increase the amount. Elimination of requirement for the parents to be covered with health insurance, allowing child allowance right for 4 children (instead of the first 4 children in the family) and relaxation of property criteria could act toward this end. Both from the perspective of improving the coverage and better targeting, the cadastral revenue as eligibility criteria for agricultural households should be replaced with some more realistic criteria. When it comes to child-birth related leaves, due to evidence of misuse of maternity/parental leave benefit by formal employment registration just a few months before child’s birth, one of the recommendations is to prolong the benefit calculation period, while at the same time extending the coverage for women with flexible jobs. Also, the introduction of flexible arrangements for parental leave, such as a choosing different combinations of benefit level and leave duration, part-time work and similar. Speaking of birth grants, there are advantages of introducing one-off payment instead of payment in installments, which actually implies returning to the model before changes were introduced in 2005. In addition, indexation of property threshold should be introduced. Finally, there is a need for benefits’ consolidation and simplification of administrative procedures. Keywords: financial social assistance; child allowance; maternity/parental benefits; birth grant Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 1-20 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.2298/STNV1402001M File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/93 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/93/84 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:93 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Marija Anđelković Stoilković Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Belgrade (Serbia) Title: Matthias Wingens, Michael Windzio, Helga de Valk, Can Aybek (eds.) "A Life Course Perspective on Migration and Integration" Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Nema. Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 113-119 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.59954/stnv.229 File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/229 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/229/213 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:229 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Cecilia Reynaud Author-Workplace-Name: University Roma Tre (Università degli Studi Roma Tre), Department of Political Science, Rome (Italy) Author-Name: Enrico Tucci Author-Workplace-Name: Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Socio-demographic and environmental statistics directorate, Rome (Italy) Title: Internal Mobility in Italy: A New Delay Publication-Status: Published Abstract: From the second half of the 1990s, mobility appears to have changed profoundly from the great migrations of the 1960s, for two main reasons: firstly, the rise in short-range mobility; and secondly, the strong increase in attraction by geographical areas in Central and above all North-eastern Italy. In more recent years, the evolution of internal mobility has changed again, with a further fall coupled with a loss of attractiveness for some Central and Northern areas. The recent evolution of mobility could suggest that the large divide between the North and South is closing. However, this is not entirely the case, as differences in mobility by geographicalarea continued to remain and in some cases even increased. In fact, this analysis allows us to show how population loss from the South of Italy has actually risen. This study aims to focus on the evolution of the phenomenon in individual geographical areas and the varying levels of migration between the different genders and age classes. While we are clearly not facing a new boom in out-migration from the South, it is true that out-migration is continuing and represents a serious loss of human capital in this area. Keywords: internal migration; transfer of residence; North-South divide Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 21-42 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.2298/STNV1402021R File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/94 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/94/85 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:94 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Daniela Arsenović Author-Workplace-Name: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences - Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad (Serbia) Author-Name: Branislav S. Đurđev Author-Workplace-Name: University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences - Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad (Serbia) Title: Fifth International Symposium "Academician Berislav Beta Berić" Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Nema. Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 119-121 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.59954/stnv.230 File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/230 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/230/214 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:230 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ankica Šobot Author-Workplace-Name: Demographic Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade (Serbia) Title: On Low Fertility from the Aspect of the Economic Activity of Female Population: Possibilities and Restrictions in Encouragement of Childbearing Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Below replacement fertility was the outcome of changes in the education and socio-professional structure of women, as well as modifications in values and life aspirations. On the other hand, economic strengthening of women and encourage-ment of jobs which require greater dedication and more of their time are important aspects of achieving gender equality. These two circumstances gave rise to contemplations on the connection between economic activities of female population and the level of births in postindustrial societies. The aim of this article is to point out to the positive influence of female employment on the fertility level, as a capacity for encouraging births in Serbia. When observing the most developed European countries, it can be noticed that greater birth rates are noted in those countries in which there are greater economic activity and employment rates of female population. Furthermore, a series of researches and comparative analyses confirm the positive relation between female employment and fertility. The differences regarding of birth rates among European welfare states are seen as a result of the possibilities of female employment, reconciliation between work and parenthood and the division of gender roles within the family. The influence of economic activity on fertility levels is determined by an institutional framework of family support and gender equality (Engelhardt and Prskawetz, 2004, Neyer, 2006; Andersson and Scott, 2007; Rovny, A.E. 2011; Seeleib-Kaise and Toivonen, 2011). During the first decade of the 21st century, the  birth rates in Serbia were by about 30% lower than in the countries which had the highest fertility within European frameworks. The traditional labor division in the household and parenthood produces conflicts between families and employment, recognized in the practices of everyday life (Blagojević, 1997; Blagojević-Hjuson, 2013) and standpoints on the relation between parenthood and employment (Ignjatović, et al., 2011). The gender inequality on the micro level represents an unfavorable social framework for making childbearing decisions due to relatively high economic activity of women. Apart from that, high unemployment of both female and male population in Serbia is yet another adverse circumstance for forming a family and making decisions on births. Also, a challenge in reversal of low birth rates are regional differences of socio-economic characteristics of the female population. In that sense, the share of economically inactive among women of reproductive age in Vojvodina and two regions in Central Serbia area (excluding the region of Belgrade), as well as lower fertility of employed and unemployed women in the Belgrade region,  are imposed. Economic activity and employment of female population form a positive framework in reproductive behavior, if the conditions regarding the characteristics of gender regime are fulfilled. In such circumstances fertility is around the replacement rate, which represents the highest birth rate values in European welfare states. Having in mind high valuation of family and parenthood on one hand, and economic characteristics of the female population in Serbia on the other, the question is whether the economic activity of women is the area where encouragement of childbearing to more than two children could be influenced. The reply requires more in-depth analysis of relevant data, as well as more concrete empirical and better quality research. Keywords: low fertility; economic activity; employment of female population; reconciliation between work and family life; gender equality Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 43-66 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.2298/STNV1402043S File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/95 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/95/86 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:95 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Goran Penev Author-Workplace-Name: Demographic Research Centre, Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade (Serbia) Title: Seasonality of Suicide Deaths in Serbia, 1990-2012 Publication-Status: Published Abstract: Background: In the period from 1990 to 2012, there were 32,855 suicides registered in Serbia, i.e. an average of 1428 deaths per year (18.9 per 100.000 inhabitants). The suicides were the most frequent in the early 1990s, less frequent during the 2000s, and least frequent in the last three years of the observed period (2010-2012 – an average of 1237 suicides per year). Objective: The goal of this paper is to evaluate the seasonal variations of suicides in Serbia in the period of 1990-2012, their changes, as well as the accordance with findings from other countries. Method: In the paper are used "classical" statistical methods of evaluating cyclical variations (c2-test, Edwards' test) as well as some frequently used newer methods (e.g. the peak-low ratio). It also introduces a new indicator of the intensity of monthly variations in suicides (the magnitude of trimester variations of /12/ moving consecutive months index – the MtMV index). Seasonality of suicides is also observed by sex. Results: The results of the research of seasonality confirm that certain cyclical variations in mortality due to suicide are also present in Serbia. Observed by season, suicides are most frequent in spring and summer and less in winter. The cyclical nature was also clearly confirmed by month. Suicides are most frequent in "warm" months (April-August) and far less frequent in "cold" months (December-February). By month, suicides are most frequent in May, while the maximal average number of suicides per day was calculated for June (21 % higher than the average for 1990-2012). December is singled out as the month with the lowest number as well as lowest daily average of suicides (25 % lower than the average). Conclusion: The cyclical nature of suicides is clearly notable during the entire observed period and no significant fluctuations or decrease in the intensity of the variation were observed. Regardless of the method of analysis, the resulting conclusions are identical regarding the cyclical nature of the variations and the temporal characteristics of suicides in Serbia at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century. At the aggregate level there are no significant differences in seasonal variations of suicides committed by men and women. Changes also developed in parallel and in the same direction for both sexes. Keywords: suicide; seasonal variations; evaluation of significance; differences by sex; Serbia Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 67-89 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.2298/STNV1402067P File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/96 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/96/87 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:96 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Milan Marković Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of International Law, University of Graz, Graz (Austria) Title: Social Position of Persons with Disabilities in and out of Residential Institution Publication-Status: Published Abstract: The 2011 Census in the Republic of Serbia introduced, for the first time questions about difficulties in functioning, following the Recommendations from the Washington Group on Disability Statistics. Since there are no stable and continuous sources on the position of persons with disabilities in Serbia, the Census results may be used as a relevant source on disability measurement. Of course, due to the main goal of census disability measurement, and that is a general identification of disability in population, these results should be employed with certain reservations and carefully, especially because of some methodo-logical specification in approaching disability. The main use of census data on disability should be found in evaluating the "equality of opportunity" in relevant areas, such as economic activity (labour and employment), eduaction, living sources, etc. and this is to be achieved mainly through comparison between the values in the general population and population with disabilities. Having done that, we were able to conclude on visible inequality of opportunities between the general and population with disabilities. These discrapancies are indeed evident first in the area of eduaction – especially in accessing elementary education, where the percentage of persons with disabilities that never attended school is extremely high (12.2% v. 2.68% in general population). The unfavourable status of persons with disabilities in the context of education contiues in almost all levels of education. An even more obvious inequality of opportunity is present in the area of economic activity, where the prevalence of inactive persons with disability is very high – almost 90%. Having gone through all the age categories, what becomes abvious is a significantly lower activity among all age groups in comparison to the same groups in general population. However, the main goal of this article was to detect the discrapancies existing between the position of persons with disabilities that live in the community and those living in institutional settings – institutions for collective housing. In both areas of education and economic activity, the results tell us very much about a much more problematic status of those living in residential settings. Overall, the access to education is much lower with residents, making an even more negative picture about this smaller group of persons with disabilities in Serbia. In the area of economic activity, the percentage of economically active persons with disabilities in residential settings does not climb to one percent (0.30% excluding the homes for adults and the elderly), which is indeed a worrying situation. Having in mind well known facts on the effects of institutionalization of persons with disabilities in terms of almost all their rights and freedoms, the results that we have encountered are to confirm a negative status of those living in residential settings. Experiences of discrimination, marginalization, segregation and exclusion are evident in the census results. Even if one tries to focus only on analyzing the equality of opportunity in the given context, in comparison with the general population, or even only with the contingent of persons with disabilities out of the residential settings, those living in institutions in Serbia are seriously suffering from lack of access to education, training, labour market and other important areas of life and social functioning. In addition, a potentially relevant insight has been made into the correlation of the type of problem and the status within economic activity and education of persons with disabilities in Serbia. The results confirm that those persons identified through census questions that aim at detecting problems of mental health (intellectual and psycho-social disability) are in the least favourable position in both of the observed areas. Such conclusions should also be connected to a specifically problematic social inclusion and acceptance of those with mental health problems and the extremely high burden of social stigma towards them, combined with the long-going practice of exclusion and discrimination (legal capacity, education, employability, etc.). Keywords: census; invalidity; institutionalization; Republic of Serbia; statistics Journal: Stanovnistvo Pages: 91-111 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Year: 2014 Month: December DOI: 10.2298/STNV1402091M File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/view/97 File-Function: Abstract page File-Format: text/html File-URL: https://stnv.idn.org.rs/STNV/article/download/97/88 File-Function: Full text File-Format: application/pdf Handle: RePEc:eto:stanov:v:52:y:2014:i:2:id:97