Everyday Life Under Communism and After: Lifestyle and Consumption in Hungary, 1945-2000

This book explores how common people lived in Hungary during and after tumultuous regime changes,using surveys,micro-histories,statistical data,and population censuses to understand the complexities of daily life. It provides insights into the lifestyles of rich and poor people,the relationship between living,furnishing,clothing,income,and consumption,and how people accommodated their lifestyles to the political and social system.

Format: Hardback
Length: 508 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Central European University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of consumption and lifestyle in Hungary during the second half of the twentieth century, offering a profound exploration of the lives of ordinary people amidst the tumultuous regime changes that shaped their existence. After an introductory chapter that provides a glimpse into the late 1930s, the book focuses its attention on the communist era, vividly describing the transformations and challenges that marked this period. It then proceeds to unravel the complexities of the post-communist period, grappling with the legacies of state socialism and the enduring impact it had on daily life.

In his insightful inquiry, Tibor Valuch poses a series of thought-provoking questions that delve into the very essence of human experiences. Who, in the ever-changing landscape of society, could be deemed rich or poor, and how did their lives unfold across different periods? How closely did living conditions, furnishings, clothing, income, and consumption mirror the intricate structure of society and the profound transformations it underwent? How did individuals adapt their lifestyles to the political and social systems that governed their lives? Moreover, what were the unique characteristics of consumption after the communist takeover, and how did consumption habits evolve after the demise of state socialism?

To unravel these profound questions, the book relies on a rich tapestry of sources, including micro-histories, statistical data, population censuses, and surveys. These meticulously collected data provide a deep insight into the intricacies of daily life, not only in Hungary but also in other communist regimes in east-central Europe. By examining their antecedents and afterlives, the book offers valuable perspectives on the shared experiences and enduring legacies of these regimes.

Through its meticulous research and engaging narrative, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human experiences in times of political and social upheaval. It sheds light on the lived realities of ordinary people, illuminating the ways in which their consumption and lifestyle choices were shaped by the broader social and political context in which they lived. By exploring the intersections of history, culture, and individual agency, this book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the past and its enduring impact on the present.

Weight: 876g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633863763