THE ROAD TO GERMAN UNINY: MASS SENTIMENT IN EAST AND WEST GERMANY |
| |
| Authors: | KUECHLER MANFRED |
| |
| Affiliation: | MANFRED KUECHLER is professor of sociology at Hunter College and al the Graduate Center (CUNY). Direct communications to Department of Sociology, Hunter College (CUNY), 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, or to MAKHC at CUNYVM.BITNET. The author appreciates the thoughtful comments of Harold Orbach and several other scholars, including the editor of this journal and an anonymous reviewer. The author is indebted to the Forschungsgruppe Wahlen (Wolfgang Gibowski, Dieter Roth, and Manfred Berger) for continuously providing him with reports on their monthly Polilbaromeier surveys. A large portion of the data used in this article is extracted from these sources. |
| |
| Abstract: | This article explores mass sentiment about the pursuit of unificationin both East and West Germany from early 1989 to spring 1991,when formal unification was achieved and the first all-Germangovernment had been installed. Public opinion data from varioussources show that the German masses were supportive but alsosomewhat reluctant with regard to quick and comprehensive unification.The strong push for unification by the political leadershipwas not a response to grass roots sentiment but quite the contrary:the masses followed their leaders. Considerations of economicgains seem to be more important than idealistic pan-German sentimentsor national chauvinism. While the East Germans displayed moreenthusiasm early on, their disappointment steadily rose afterthe fact. As of early 1991, there are some warning signs oflooming internal strife. However, as long as the West Germaneconomy continues to prosper, there seems to be no imminentthreat to political continuity and stability in the united Germany. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 Oxford 等数据库收录！ |
|
