The Weakness Of Civil Society In Post-Communist Europe

Over a decade has passed since the collapse of communism yet postcommunistcitizens are still far less likely to join voluntary organizations than peoplefrom oth... » 

Over a decade has passed since the collapse of communism yet postcommunistcitizens are still far less likely to join voluntary organizations than peoplefrom other countries. Why do postcommunist citizens mistrust publicorganizations What explains this pattern of weak civil society And what doesthis mean for democracy in the region This engaging study addresses thesequestions with a provocative argument about the enduring impact of thecommunist experience on its countries and citizens. Howard argues that theexperience of mandatory participation in statecontrolled organizations andvibrant private networks during the communist period combined with thedisappointment with postcommunist developments have left most citizens with alasting aversion to public activities. Howard analyzes the findings from over30 democratic countries on the World Values Survey and also presents extensiveand original evidence from his own research focused on Eastern Germany andRussia. «