Postsocialist segregation

Date and country of first publication

2013
Poland

Definition

After the fall of socialist states in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the region experienced a period of economic and political transition. This transition also brought about various forms of segregation in post-socialist societies.

One of the most notable forms of segregation that emerged was ethnic segregation. In countries like Yugoslavia, the dissolution of the multi-ethnic state led to violent conflicts and the establishment of separate ethnic regions. This resulted in the creation of ethnically homogenous areas, where different ethnic groups lived separately from each other, often due to fear, mistrust, or historical animosities. In cities like Sarajevo or Mostar, neighborhoods became divided along ethnic lines, with Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs living in distinct areas.

In addition to ethnic segregation, there was also a rise in economic segregation. The transition from planned economies to market economies led to drastic changes in the distribution of wealth and resources. As a result, social stratification increased, and certain groups, such as the newly rich or elites, were able to concentrate in exclusive neighborhoods or gated communities, while others were left living in dilapidated buildings or impoverished areas.

Gender segregation was another aspect of post-socialist societies. The dismantling of state-sponsored gender equality policies often resulted in a backlash against women's rights. Traditional gender roles were reinforced, and women faced specific barriers in accessing employment, education, and political participation. This contributed to the creation of separate spheres for men and women, both in public and private spaces.

Education segregation was also prevalent in post-socialist societies. Under socialism, education was accessible to all and often promoted social mobility. However, with the privatization of education, disparities emerged. Private schools and elite institutions emerged, catering to the wealthy and privileged, while public schools suffered from neglect and lack of resources, leading to educational inequalities.

These various forms of segregation in post-socialist societies reflected the complex and often turbulent transition from socialism to market economies. While some of these forms of segregation have decreased over time through social and economic progress, the legacies of the socialist era and the subsequent transition still shape social dynamics in these societies today.

Synonyms

The following terms are synonymous with postsocialist segregation:

post socialist segregation.

References and literature addressing this segregation form under these synonymous terms can be found below.

Related segregation forms

Postsocialist segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

residential segregation, social segregation, ethnic segregation, socioeconomic segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

• First year of publication

• Louvain clusters

• Betweenness centrality

• Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Postsocialist segregation appears in the following literature

Marcińczak S., Gentile M., Stȩpniak M. (2013). Paradoxes of (post)socialist segregation: Metropolitan sociospatial divisions under socialism and after in Poland. Urban Geography, 34(3), 327-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2013.778667

Tammaru T., Kährik A., Novák J., Leetmaa K. (2015). The 'market experiment': Increasing socio economic segregation in the inherited bi ethnic context of Tallinn. Socio-Economic Segregation in European Capital Cities: East Meets West, 333-357. Taylor and Francis Inc..https://doi.org/