New Generation, Old Story? Political Participation and the Persistence of the Post-Communist Heritage in Eastern Europe

Many countries in Eastern Europe are still termed ‘non-consolidated democracies’ (Nations in Transit 2013). One of their current political features is that political participation is weaker and less developed than in established democracies. In the literature, the post-communist heritage is treated as one of the most important explanations for the lack of political participation in Eastern Europe. This paper breaks down the different facets of the post-communist heritage in order to enable an operationalization of both its economic and cultural dimensions. In addition, this contribution suggests the degree of socialization as an indicator for measuring the influence of the post-communist heritage. By comparing different age groups with different biographical backgrounds and their level of political participation, this methodological approach enables new insights in regard to the persistence of the post-communist heritage. This research can indicate whether a generational change sets in or if the post-communist heritage reproduces itself.