ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author explores the various dimensions of popular culture and of public representation in the mass success of Haider's Austria Freedom Party (FPO) at the turn of the century. He discusses three assesses these key elements of Haider's cultural policies in context of Austrian society at the turn of the century, within the wider context of the process of European integration and enlargement. The author describes that methods of inquiry are those of social anthropologist. He investigates the simple observation that cultural dimensions are indispensable for understanding the FPO's mass success; they are part and parcel of the overall political and social phenomenon. Almost everyone finds popular entertainment, fun, leisure time, sports, relaxation, and dancing to be normal and sympathetic, and politician who conspicuously and effectively emphasizes such activities looks more like normal family man than do those others who constantly talk about complicated political, economic, and social matters.
