National identity and political priorities in Eastern and Western Germany

In: German politics: Journal of the Association for the Study of German Politics, Band 4, Heft 1, S. 1-26

Abstract

Is a common political identity developing, or are Germans in east and west growing apart? By and large, earlier approaches to this question have concentrated on mutual stereotypes, on personality traits, or on the acceptance of democratic institutions and principles. Often, though not always, the conclusion is reached that the process of growing together faces major difficulties - if it is possible at all. Taking a somewhat different approach, we think of inner unification as a practical process. Therefore our particular focus lies on the problems uppermost in citizens' minds. We demonstrate that the rankings of political priorities become largely identical in east and west, and that the most important sources of national identification are identical as well. Moreover, there are similarities in personal value orientations which are remarkable in light of the long years of separation. At the same time, differences in fundamental political values are still present, in particular a higher appreciation of an "idealistic" nation of socialism in the east. This "idealistic socialism", we argue, is of limited relevance for political behaviour. Instead, the common political fate, which we infer from the indicators listed above, forms a promising base for the further development of one political identity for the Germans. (German Politics / AuD)