The Trauma of Post-Communism in Ukraine Cover Image

Trauma postkomunizmu na Ukrainie
The Trauma of Post-Communism in Ukraine

Author(s): Piotr Długosz
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Instytut Studiów Politycznych PAN
Keywords: cultural trauma; post-communism; collapse of the Soviet Union: Ukraine

Summary/Abstract: The article aims to analyse the trauma of post-communism, which emerged among the citizens of Ukraine upon the collapse of the Soviet Union. The unstructured interview method was used to conduct the research into the trauma of post-communism. The research was conducted within the whole territory of Ukraine, including the uncontrolled territories. The results of the analyses show that the collapse of the Soviet Union was a significant source of trauma in terms of the extent and force of the negative consequences of transformations. The initial trauma, which was of a culture-related nature and connected with the disappearance of the Soviet man, emerged. The economic shock had a strong impact on the lives of individuals. Inflation, the introduction of so-called coupons, the deregulation of energy prices, privatisation, and an increase in crime are only some of the sources of trauma which have led to the pathology of social subjectivity. Negative emotions, which are now observed in Ukrainian society, appeared together with the changes.

  • Issue Year: 49/2021
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 29-52
  • Page Count: 24
  • Language: Polish