Minority in Postmodern Paradigm. The Carinthian Slovenes

Abstract

On October 10th, 1920, a plebiscite was held in Carinthia, concluding the final act of the long process of demarcation between the Republic of German Austria and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The referendum was won by Austria, and the Slovenes, who at that time made up a third of the population in the southern part, became officially a minority. Over the century, the minority has changed a lot. The number of members decreased, the political position of the community changed, and its social composition, mode of settlement, organization and activities changed fundamentally. According to the last census, the minority still has about 14,000 members, and according to various estimates,1 about 45,000. Although it has shrunk in numbers, it is a well-organized, culturally active, emancipated and self-confident minority community.