Social science information and system change in Eastern Europe with special regard to Hungary

Abstract

The totalitarian regimes in Eastern Europe that collapsed in 1989 have had disastrous influence upon the social sciences in the region. The methods and extent of political control were different in various countries. Due to the relativety liberal approach to social sciences in Hungary, scientists could at least be aware of international developments. Lack of freedom presented itself in forbidden research programs, in disqualifying some of the approaches, in the application of meta languages to hide ideas, in pseudoscientific approaches to serve the ruling power, and in moral stress. The economic collapse of East European countries that has been accompanied by the emergence of political freedom caused additional difficulties in financing research, especially in the social sciences. Poor financial resources presently impose drastic reduction in the acquisition of collections. Technological means for building new databases have become unavailable. Social science information in Eastern Europe needs rehabilitation of distorted collections, creation of new databases, establishing access to Western databases and to achieve better effectiveness of information activities.