Structural change and modernization in post-socialist societies

The contributions in this volume stem from a symposium held in Prague, organized by sociological institutions from the Czech and Polish Academies of Sciences and the German Social Science Research Center Berlin (WZB), featuring specialists from eleven countries. Part I, National Reports, provides an overview of societal transformation and modernization in Central Europe, characterized by a synthetic, dynamic approach grounded in empirical and theoretical frameworks. It includes insights into changing attitudes and social perceptions among populations. By seeking a common set of social indicators, the Reports facilitate a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by structural transformations. This systematic social reporting paves the way for more comprehensive European comparative research programs, encompassing both West and East European societies, focusing on countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Germany post-unification. Part II, Controversial Issues and the Need for New Paradigms, critiques existing concepts of transformation and modernization while offering fresh perspectives. This thorough empirical and theoretical analysis of the past twelve years in post-socialist Central Europe and their future challenges provides valuable insights and inspires further social research and theorizing, especially in light of the upcoming European Union enlargement.