Social Problems as Reflected by Social Science in Slovenia and Austria

Located at the heart of the European Union, the neighbouring countries Slovenia and Austria have recently underwent deep transformation processes which can be characterised with the concept of "Europeanisation" of national societies as well as of its social sciences, specifically sociology. Urgent social problems in both countries, such as unemployment, poverty and social inequalities, prompt the question of how a common problem analysis could be achieved and on the basis of which experiences and interests. Confronted with enormous transformations in European countries, sociology might become an innovative generator of knowledge relevant to the enlightenment - as an European heritage - of its societies and of itself.