Transformationserfahrungen

The transformation experiences of people in East Germany are diverse and individually shaped. However, experiences of loss, devaluation, and powerlessness were so widespread that they can be considered common experiences. Additionally, the loss of trust and existential fears have sometimes been passed down to the next generation through family memory. Thus, the East German transformation experience will continue to shape the society of unified Germany in the future. This collection sheds light on the life-world impacts of the restructuring of society and culture in East Germany more than three decades after German reunification. Previous political history and social science studies of the transformation period are expanded to include a perspective based on lived experiences. Starting from the societal significance that transformation experiences still hold today, the contributions examine socio-cultural ruptures as well as their interpretations and representations.