Original title: Post-Communist Syndrome: a Mental Heritage. A Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings
Authors: Klicperová-Baker, Martina ; Feierabend, I. ; Košťál, J.
Document type: Papers
Conference/Event: Dvacet let poté: Komunistické režimy ve střední a východní Evropě jako společné dědictví, Praha (CZ), 2009-10-07 / 2009-10-08
Year: 2010
Language: eng
Abstract: The article discusses post-totalitarian symptoms and the concept of post-totalitarian syndrome which can explain mentality of some dissatisfied Eastern European citizens. The current Czech post-totalitarian conditions are analyzed in terms of specific grievances and human needs; it is suggested that the disappointed include numerous frustrated but otherwise pro-democratic citizens. Complaints focus on economic insecurity (fear of unemployment, lack of security at the old age), crime (both white collar economic and street crime), lack of overall safety and disappointment with the general decline of interpersonal relations. Although respondents found it much easier to be upset with the current circumstances than with the totalitarian past, direct questions referring to the pre-1989 police state revealed an overwhelming awareness of and frustration with it. The most intense current anger is provoked by misconduct of politicians, yet democracy as a regime is not doubted.
Keywords: democracy; post-communism; post-communist syndrome
Project no.: CEZ:AV0Z70250504 (CEP)
Host item entry: Dvacet let poté - komunistické režimy ve střední a východní Evropě jako společné dědictví, ISBN 978-80-87211-40-3

Institution: Institute of Psychology AS ČR (web)
Document availability information: Fulltext is available at the institute of the Academy of Sciences.
Original record: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0190637

Permalink: http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-41935


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Research > Institutes ASCR > Institute of Psychology
Conference materials > Papers