The underestimation of the cultural orientations of people in the research of modern development processes is being increasingly pointed out by known world's scientists (Berger, Huntington, ...Inglehart, Hofstede, Hohmann, Apfelthaler). Therefore, the asserted theoretical starting point of this article is that each social structure has its own compatible cultural system, which identifies & sustains it. We wanted to know whether distinctive differences (& similarities) in cultural systems exist between (& among) European countries & whether the Slovenians in a cultural sense are prepared enough for successful introduction of a (standardized) modern social structure. On the basis of the existing international public opinion database & by exploring Hofstede's model for cluster analysis, we empirically compare Slovene cultural orientations with cultural orientations of the selected European countries. Results lead us to the conclusion that Slovene cultural identity is a mix of pre-modern (leftover of communism & traditional Catholicism), prevailing modern, as well as postmodern cultural orientations. This pattern of orientations places Slovenians -- despite the obvious differences -- in the so-called broad circle of Western European culture, able to manage common European cultural standards, what permanently ensures the stability of recently introduced democratic structures within the country. 5 Tables, 1 Figure, 16 References. Adapted from the source document.
The underestimation of the cultural orientations of people in the research of modern development processes is being increasingly pointed out by known world’s scientists (Berger, Huntington, ...Inglehart, Hofstede, Höhmann, Apfelthaler). Therefore, the asserted theoretical starting-point of this article is that each social structure has its own compatible cultural system, which identifies and sustains it. We wanted to know whether distinctive differences (and similarities) in cultural systems exist between (and among) European countries and whether the Slovenians in a cultural sense are prepared enough for successful introduction of a (standardized) modern social structure. On basis of the existing international public opinion database and by exploring Hofstede’s model for cluster analysis approach, we have emprically compared Slovene cultural orientations with cultural orientations of the selected European countries. Results lead us to the conclusion the Slovene cultural identity card is a mix of pre-modern (the leftover of the communism on one side and the traditional Catholicism on the other), prevailing modern, as well as post-modern cultural orientations. This pattern of orientations places Slovenians - despite the obvious differences - in the so-called broad circle of western-European culture, able to manage common European cultural standards, what permanently ensures the stability of recently introduced democratic structures within the country.
Classical Slovenian political differentiation in the late 19th century was carried out in almost the same way as in the broader European environment: between liberal, Catholic, & social-democratic ...doctrines. It is interesting to note that Slovenian liberalism was most intensively expressed in the countries known as Catholic. Intense introduction of Catholic political doctrine on Slovene territory led to a strong liberal reaction. Ideological tensions, following the example of German kulturkampf, appeared first in the sphere of literature, but soon after the slogastvo period, overgrew into an intense ideological & political conflict. The intensity of ideological confrontation was on Slovene territory because of the fact that it was carried between three antagonistic & self-sufficient bases of social organization. 23 References. Adapted from the source document.
Milan Zver, Slovenia Zver, Milan
Crimes of the Communist Regimes - Proceedings of an international Conference held in Prague, 24–26 February 2010,
2011
Book Chapter
My intention is not to intimidate but rather to warn or remind all of us of the “fragility”, weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the newly established democracies in Europe and beyond, although – I ...have to stress right at the beginning – I do not agree with H. P Martin (former MEP), who produced the thesis of the End of (EU) democracy. However, let me present you with some facts and expectations from 20 years ago – which I would argue are important to explain my point of view. Well, what happened at the end of the eighties? Firstly: Democracy triumphed in Europe. At that time the third wave of the spread Democracy took place in Europe and in the world and so it seemed the end of totalitarian regimes in Europe had finally materialized. Secondly: Even more, some talked about the Triumph of Western Civilisation over the rest of the world, with the domination of its culture and market economy. The End of Ideologies and History is Fukuyama’s famous thesis. Thirdly: On that basis a rapid and successful transition to a democratic system was predicted by mass movements and new elites. The phenomenon of a new democratic culture seemed at the time to be unstoppable.
The process of EU enlargement is in its final stage, the CEECs havemore or less adapted to the western standards, which is not yet sufficient for successful completion of the transition process ...successfully. We have learned from the failed communism that the imported norms, institutions and practices can cause entropy, unless they reflect the prevailing cultural orientation in the society. People should believe that what they are presented as right (norms) is also good (values). For this reason the system of norms and values should be developed simultaneously. The research results show that the symptoms of economic cultures are less evident in the CEECs than in the selected EU countries, thus the democratic socialization (stimulated from outside) is the key issue. For this reason the CEECs should be included in the network of the Euro- Atlantic integrations as soon as possible in order to ensure the democratic stability and economic efficiency of Europe.
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