Post-communist Syndrome: A Mental Heritage: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings

0333411 - PSÚ 2010 eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Klicperová-Baker, Martina - Feierabend, I. K.
Post-communist Syndrome: A Mental Heritage: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings.
[International Conference “20 Years After”. Praha (CZ), 07.10.2009-08.10.2009]
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z70250504
Subject RIV: AN - Psychology
http://www.20yearsafter.eu/data/mp3/audio07.mp3

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. The Czechs citizens manifest a good level of psychological predispositions to democracy and reserved optimism.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0178399