Socialised Under Different Regimes or Results of Economic Inequality? An Exploration of the Persistent Differences in Subjective Happiness, Social Values, and Political Attitudes Between the Former East and West Germany

Abstract

The reunified Germany not only marked a significant turning point in recent world history but it has also been regarded as a natural experiment setting to explore the impact of two completely different political regimes and ideologies on a population that share the same culture and history. Although there is a growing discourse recognising the gap in social behaviours, political attitudes, and happiness between the former East and West Germans, barely any research has been conducted to compare differences in more than one aspect. Based on this, the article aims to evaluate whether the gap in multiple areas is largely caused by the influences of Communism or by the simple explanation of a poorer economic position. Key studies in this field will be reviewed, organising the literature into three threads: life satisfaction, social values, and political preferences. Through careful analysis and evaluation, it could be argued that the various gaps or differences between East and West Germany could mostly come under the umbrella of 'communist legacy', which not only subconsciously inculcated important views and values in its citizens but also resulted in a disparity in the economic outcome at the time of the reunification. Therefore, although a considerable proportion of the differences in any area studied are predetermined by individuals' economic positions, the existence of the gap is fundamentally a consequence of the communist regime. Even though some differences are converging at varying paces, both relevant policies and societal inclusion are still vital in accelerating the convergence in Germany.