Everyday value system under state socialism. Theft and self-exoneration through selective moral disengagement Cover Image

Mindennapi értékvilág az államszocializmusban. A lopás és a lopással kapcsolatos önfeloldozási mechanizmusok
Everyday value system under state socialism. Theft and self-exoneration through selective moral disengagement

Author(s): Ágnes Kiss
Subject(s): Regional Geography, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political history, Social history, Recent History (1900 till today), History of Communism
Published by: Presa Universitara Clujeana
Keywords: theft; state socialism; moral disengagement; self-exoneration; Eastern Europe; Romania;

Summary/Abstract: Everyday life under state socialism was characterized by a series of antagonistic values. How was it possible to maintain a coherent, consistent value system, behavior and mentality under such circumstances? The present analysis is focused on the theft of state property, which is undeniably a reprehensible moral issue, still it was a widespread practice. Through the example of theft, I argue that practical coherence of the value system was maintained – among others – by the psychosocial mechanisms of selective moral disengagement. I also sketch the related processes of institutionalization and socialization through which theft became a socially embedded practice.

  • Issue Year: 19/2021
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 39-55
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Hungarian