Introduction: from universalism to fragmentation? The concept of “post-socialism” in urban studies and Human Geography
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Over 30 years after the end of state socialism in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the concept of “postsocialism” remains a subject of lively debate. Initially rooted in the transition paradigm, this framework has repeatedly been challenged and hybridity, uneven development, and the enduring legacies of socialism have gained more attention. Critical voices have also questioned the spatial and temporal coherence of the term as such. This Introduction to the Research Colloquium “Whither Postsocialism?” traces the concept’s evolution and outlines major points of contention. It presents a field marked by increasing fragmentation, where scholars operate with divergent definitions, aims, and theoretical commitments. While some advocate abandoning the term, others propose its reflexive use or reframe it through postcolonial and anti-capitalist lenses. The Colloquium brings together contributions that range from empirically grounded defenses of the concept to calls for its reconfiguration or replacement. Collectively, these intervetions highlight both the continued relevance and the deep contestation surrounding the term. Rather than offering a definitive answer, the Research Colloquium aims at opening a space for more plural, situated, and theoretically attuned engagements with the post-socialist condition.
Source: Eurasian Geography and Economics
Author: Matthias Bernt
Institution: Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W4411804969