Modernisation and Social Transformation in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Analysis of the Czech historical experience suggests theoretical generalization on global postcommunist societal transformation, seen as complex social transformation & modernization. It is argued that while the postcommunist transformation of Czech society has so far been successful, this is the result of the abandonment, postponement, or mitigation of some aspects of the originally presupposed radical liberal democratic changes. It is concluded that the long-term prospects of Czech society depend mainly on the ability of the social & institutional system to stimulate significant progress toward qualitative modernization, possible only through the creation of a dynamic social equilibrium generating a motivation structure based on social relationships influenced by principles of equity of chances & meritocracy.