Perestroika: the modernization of socialism

Abstract

In this article it is argued that indicators in terms of which social trends in East bloc are measured, have a limited analytical value, especially at a comparative level. It is furthermore stated that the search for an independent variable which explains modernization under socialist conditions has been largely fruitless, while typologies using various sets of indicators have tended to be too complex. “Perestroika"— and its implications — including the relaxation of various restrictions on the free flow of information — has for the first time enabled social scientists to discuss impediments to the modernisation of socialism in a more general structural way. Three major advances in social sciences in the Soviet Union has paved the way for this, namely the discovery of policy analysis, the recognition of subjective indicators as a way of evaluating social trends and the rediscovery of decentralisation. This has facilitated the involvement of most of the Soviet intelligentsia in Perestroika as a modernisation movement, although the workers and administrative cadres have yet to form part of any reform coalition.