Gesellschaftliche Selbstorganisation in Bulgarien: Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen
Social Networks in Bulgaria: Challenges and Opportunities

Summary/Abstract: In Bulgaria and the macro-region of “Eastern Europe” the collapse of socialism put an end to more than 40 years in which the states had exerted a monopoly of power not only on a political and economic level but also in the sphere of social life. In view of this past and regarding manifold problems of the transition period it becomes clear that democratization – not only in terms of the introduction of an equivalent legal framework and democratic institutions but also in terms of social pluralisation and diversification – represents an important challenge. Nevertheless, a considerable scope of civic interest groups, clubs, foundations, movements, think tanks and associations emerged in Bulgaria after 1989/90. The article deals with the scopes and the limits of action of self-organized social networks in Bulgaria and draws conclusions concerning their socio-cultural significance and potentials. Thereby it particularly spotlights civic engagement for the protection of the environment.

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