Changing Legal and Civic Culture in an Illiberal Democracy: A Social Psychological Survey of the Hungarian Legal System

Changing Legal and Civic Culture in an Illiberal Democracy is an empirical study on recent developments in legal and civic consciousness in Hungary, drawing from social psychology to explore a shift in legal consciousness during the Orbáns government. The book highlights the voices of the Hungarian population and examines the correlations between surveys, offering a new approach to understanding shifts in legal consciousness and the rule of law in Balkan and Eastern European countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Changing Legal and Civic Culture in an Illiberal Democracy is a groundbreaking empirical study that delves into the recent developments in legal and civic consciousness in Hungary. Drawing upon social psychology as its methodology, this book offers a profound exploration of a significant shift in legal consciousness during the tenure of Orbán's government, which has solidified Hungary's reputation as an illiberal democracy.

The book forefronts the voices of the Hungarian population, shedding light on their perceptions of the shift towards increasingly right-wing politics and the erosion of the rule of law. It begins with an extensive theoretical introduction that provides a comprehensive historical account of the development and psychological dimensions of legal consciousness in Hungary, while also establishing its relevance in the broader context of international developments.

Subsequently, the book presents its empirical findings, offering a jargon-free account of how ordinary people's perceptions of their relationship to Hungary's civic and legal cultures have evolved. This empirical exploration is complemented by a thorough examination of the correlations between surveys, further solidifying the book's methodological rigor.

Methodologically, Changing Legal and Civic Culture in an Illiberal Democracy establishes that theories of legal consciousness and social change are reinforced by empirical data. By adopting a novel approach to studying shifts in legal consciousness and the rule of law in Balkan and Eastern European countries, this text holds immense interest for researchers and students of social psychology, law, international relations, and Central European studies. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape legal and civic cultures, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing these regions.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032037738