Business Practice in Socialist Hungary, Volume 1: Creating the Theft Economy, 1945-1957

This study aims to reconstruct the activities of enterprises and individuals over two decades in one developing country (Hungary), within and across four politico-economic domains (agriculture, infrastructure/construction, commerce, and manufacturing), from the initial Stalinist obsession with heavy industry (Volume 1: Creating the Theft Economy, 1945-1957) through later reforms paying greater attention to profitable farming and the provision of abundant consumer goods (Volume 2: From Chaos to Contradiction, 1957-1972, forthcoming 2023). It provides hundreds of grounded, granular stories for reflection, as reported by actors and direct observers, ranging from innovation and improvisation to obstruction, failure, and fraud.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive study aims to reconstruct the activities of enterprises and individuals in one developing country, Hungary, over a span of two decades, encompassing four distinct politico-economic domains: agriculture, infrastructure/construction, commerce, and manufacturing. It delves into the intricate dynamics from the initial Stalinist obsession with heavy industry during the 1945-1957 period to subsequent reforms that prioritized profitable farming and the provision of abundant consumer goods. The research offers a rich tapestry of grounded, granular stories, reported by actors and direct observers, encompassing a range of experiences, from innovation and improvisation to obstruction, failure, and fraud. Furthermore, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain a close-up glimpse into another world, familiar in certain respects but remarkably peculiar in others.

The social history of enterprise and work in postwar Central European nations, known as "building socialism," has long been underdeveloped. Extensive macro-level research on planning and policy in Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and other Bloc countries has framed a grand narrative, depicting reconstruction and rapid industrialization under Soviet tutelage, followed by eventual mismanagement, stagnation, and crisis, ultimately leading to collapse. This book seeks to challenge this narrative by exploring what socialism actually looked like to those who sustained it, assessing its effectiveness and shortcomings, and recounting the responses of ordinary people to its opportunities and constraints.

The study will appeal to readers with a keen interest in understanding the day-to-day operations of businesses in a planned economy. It delves into the shifting dynamics of enterprise practices and technological strategies during the first postwar generation. By examining the experiences of individuals and organizations across different sectors, the book sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by those navigating the socialist system. It also provides valuable insights into the broader political and economic context of the time, including the influence of Soviet ideology, international relations, and domestic policies.

In conclusion, this study offers a fresh perspective on the social history of enterprise and work in postwar Central European nations. By reconstructing the activities of enterprises and individuals over two decades, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities and contradictions of socialism. Through its detailed narratives and analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the experiences of ordinary people, challenging the prevailing narratives and providing a more nuanced understanding of the past.

Weight: 437g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030891862
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022