Democracy and its discontents in post-wall Germany

Abstract: "This paper traces the political behavior intentions of 'satisfied democrats', 'dissatisfied democrats', and 'non-democrats' in western and eastern Germany. Dissatisfaction is most commonly expressed in support for the loyal opposition, with some minor tilt toward parties of the ends of the spectrum. Non-democrats, a very small percentage of the populace, more commonly express their disapproval through withdrawal rather than through active extremism. Based on a 1997 general population survey, the analysis reveals some differences in the magnitude of western versus eastern conceptions of the elements that make up 'democracy'. But most of those differences get channeled into seemingly benign forms of political participation. The core of the findings is that dissatisfaction with democracy may well be a healthy stimulant rather than a threat to the vitality of either established or emerging democracies." (author's abstract)

Object Details

• Alternative title: Demokratie und Unzufriedenheit in Deutschland nach dem Mauerfall
• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource, 19 S.
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Veröffentlichungsversion

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Veröffentlichung / Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung, Forschungsschwerpunkt Sozialer Wandel, Institutionen und Vermittlungsprozesse, Abteilung Institutionen und sozialer Wandel ; Bd. 00-207

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Berlin
• (when): 2000
• Creator: Hofferbert, Richard I. ; Klingemann, Hans-Dieter
• Contributor: Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH

Further information

• URN: urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-116188
• Rights: Open Access unbekannt; Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:41 PM CET