Post-Communist Syndrome: a Mental Heritage. A Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings

0350706 - PSÚ 2011 RIV CZ eng C - Conference Paper (international conference)
Klicperová-Baker, Martina - Feierabend, I. - Košťál, J.
Post-Communist Syndrome: a Mental Heritage. A Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings.
Dvacet let poté - komunistické režimy ve střední a východní Evropě jako společné dědictví. Praha: Ústav pro studium totalitních režimů, 2010 - (Ripka, V.), s. 1-5. ISBN 978-80-87211-40-3.
[Dvacet let poté: Komunistické režimy ve střední a východní Evropě jako společné dědictví. Praha (CZ), 07.10.2009-08.10.2009]
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z70250504
Keywords : post-communism * democracy * post-communist syndrome
Subject RIV: AN - Psychology

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.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0190637