Review article

TRANSITION AND TRANSFORMATION — BETWEEN NORMS AND PRACTICE

Ivan Cifrić ; Faculty of Philosophy, Zagreb

Abstract

In spite of numerous critics of socialism, until the fall of the Berlin wall there were no precise prognoses on the fall of socialism and shaping of past–communist societies.
Transition, as a passing over form socialist into modern industrial society, has some features common to all societies in transition, but there are some differences as well. A common feature is the rejection of totalitarianism and utopia of revolution in the realization of a model of society. The process of transformation of individual societies shows the differences that depend on the distinctions in democratic experience, inherited structures and world–wide politics.
Transition and transformation indicate also radical changes from "collective–egalitarian" to "individual–liberal" model of values. Two images of society mix in the symbolic structure of societies in transition: traditional and modern identity.
Empirical research of the desirability of the three models (market–oriented, state–oriented, and market–oriented with the social elements) shows differentiated views on the role of the state and market in particular fields. Generally, the market–oriented model with social elements is the most desirable.
Transition and transformation have a historical significance, and are challenge for reconsideration of democracy in western societies as well.

Keywords

democracy; transformation; transition; values

Hrčak ID:

141435

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/141435

Publication date:

15.4.1996.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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