CONTINUITY AND CHANGE OF VALUES AND ATTITUDES IN GENERATIONAL COHORTS OF THE POST-COMMUNIST ROMANIA

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to examine patterns in the distribution of values and attitudes for three generational cohorts in contemporary Romania: the 'younger' generation (M = 26 years), almost exclusively socialized during the period after the collapse of communism; the 'middle' generation (M = 41 years), socialized both during and after communism; and the 'older' generation (M = 56 years), exposed to extensive socialization during communism. Based on the differences in the exposure to communist or/and democratic regime and its multifaceted consequences in these three cohorts, two main competing hypotheses were tested: one predicted a change in attitudes and values across time and generations whereas the other hypothesis predicted conservation of attitudes and values. The field survey was carried out in November-December 2009 using regional generational representative samples consisting of 1481 subjects from the West Region of Development, formed by Timis, Caras-Severin, Arad and Hunedoara counties. Results indicated a conservation of attitudes and values, revealing relevant similarities in the axiological and attitudinal profiles among the two peripheral cohorts (the younger and the older generations).

KEYWORDS: intergenerational comparison, value orientations, transgenerational patterns, social attitudes

PAGES:191-212