ABSTRACT

Autobiographies of Transformation is a completely unique history of sociology in Central and Eastern Europe in the post-Communist era.

Through the autobiographies of ten key sociological witnesses from the region, the sociological imagination is turned upon itself, resulting in a compelling and revealing account of the struggles, triumphs, and continuing challenges faced. The sociologists examined fall into three cohorts: early, mid and late career.

As participants, each of the sociologists included has witnessed the intersection of history and biography in Central and Eastern Europe. As sociologists, they have tried, and continue to try, to connect the two so that they and their fellow citizens may better understand their circumstances and the futures that may follow.

This revealing book, ideal for students and researchers of sociology, and Central and Eastern Europe studies, provides powerful and compelling autobiographical accounts, relating them to the current interest in this area's transformation.

chapter |26 pages

2 My life as a (female) sociologist

chapter |23 pages

3 Hand in hand with sociology

My Life in the social sciences

chapter |16 pages

4 From totality to pluralistic democracy

A sociologist and sociology in the course of social change in Slovakia

chapter |21 pages

6 Touched by transformation

My life and sociology

chapter |22 pages

7 Challenges and disillusions

My 25-year career in sociology

chapter |13 pages

9 Belonging to a dying species

My experiences as an East German sociologist

chapter |19 pages

10 Living with discrepancies

Sociological self-understanding within Communistic and ethno-nationalistic collectivisms