Concepts of Lfe and Lifestyles in West and East Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland : Morphology of the Socio-Cultural System
Abstract
This book is based on the experience that people from other cultures often show modes of behavior and communication, which we believe are strange and difficult to understand. To make cultural specifics better understandable and thus easier to accept is a central concern of the study.
It aims to describe value-formations in the area of family life and partnership in West and East Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. A content analysis of personal advertisements from West and East Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland allowed the identification of basic values and attitudes that shape a culturally specific concept of life and partnership in each of the given societies.
A cross-cultural comparison showed a systematic relationship: differences in economic conditions, historical heritage and national (democratic or socialist) past correspond to different ideas of a good life and partnership.