Original scientific paper
Phenomenology of the Local Response to the Economic Crisis
Zdravko Mlinar
; Faculty for Sociology, Political Science and Journalism, Ljubljana
Abstract
The present economic crisis in Yugoslavia can be seen in terms of the falling rate of economic growth, increasing inflation, rising unemployment, high indebtedness of the country etc. It is considered here as a starting point for understanding various accompanying changes which can be interpreted within the characteristic patterns of responses of people to the crisis, particularly within local, urban and residential environment. On the basis of numerous observations, of aggregate and survey data, the following main types of local (residents’) responses were identified: 1. Active response to the crisis, which includes both intensified involvement as a substitution for loss (additional work, self-help, mutual help etc.) as well as protest, revolt, aggressiveness (in the form of strikes of factory workers, intensified public criticism like open letters to newspapers, petitions). 2. Restrictive behaviour or adaptation to change (diminishing consumption, fewer children, lower-quality food, exchange of larger for smaller apartments etc.). 3. Destructive responses which can be exemplified by destructive social behaviour (youth delinquency in the neighborhoods, theft in nearby fields, etc.) and by self destructive behaviour (alcoholism, mental illness, suicide). The theoretical interpretation considering micro changes within the macro context is provided from the point of view of the processes of individuation and socialization.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
155578
URI
Publication date:
31.12.1988.
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