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Consumption in socialism and the transition

Sanja Stanić orcid id orcid.org/0000-0003-0569-4841 ; Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska


Puni tekst: hrvatski pdf 1.093 Kb

str. 227-294

preuzimanja: 241

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Sažetak

The paper discusses the consumption during the period of socialism in Yugoslavia as well as in Croatian society in transition. The socialist consumption was determined by the economical, political and ideological conditions. In spite of the reforms in economy, aimed to the introduction of free market, disproportions of production and consumption have not been prevailed. Although the market in Yugoslavia was better supplied than in other socialist countries, scarcity and occasional shortages have subsisted. Economical conditions determinate consumption as utilitarian, but such consumption was in accordance with the ruling ideology according to which one should be above material pleasures. Social differentiation manifested through consumption as the network of a privileged minority and the majority with limited consumer options. Citizens used special means to supplement their modest consumption, among which shopping trips to Western countries were distinctive. These journeys were tolerated by the system, which make them possible with the openness of borders, freedom of movement and a solid income of the majority. In line with the overall transformation of social structure, transition introduces changes in consumption. Of particular interest is the process of adverse stratification of society as well as penetration of affluence of goods. Transition eliminates scarcity and shortages while consumption reach complete affirmation. New consumer culture appears. In the same time it democratizes access to the goods on the market while creating mechanisms of exclusion. These mechanisms are based on the material status of the individual whereas their cumulative effect is self-exclusion from consumption. Distinct of the former dictatorship of the needs which was maintained by the system, in transition that responsibility is transferred to an individual who is, is in line with its own abilities, forced to establish coercion over needs and desires. However, since consumption in new social relations fosters economy, participation in consumption is assured for everyone, but the access is determined by position of the individual in social stratification.

Ključne riječi

exclusion from consumption; poverty and scarcity; socialism; social differentiation; transition

Hrčak ID:

82373

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/82373

Datum izdavanja:

30.6.2010.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 1.446 *