Introduction

This book is a contribution to the comparative analysis of socioeconomic systems based on extensive use of statistical data. Unlike my previous study with a similar aim (Social Structure in Divided Germany, Croom Helm, London, 1976), where I compared the economic, sociological and political aspects of life, in this book only the socioeconomic field is covered. The focus is on those aspects which, as far as I know, have not yet received the attention they deserve: namely the comparative analysis of the GNP accounts with particular reference to the ‘functional’ division of national income and living standards. Further, whereas my study on Germany dealt with one nation divided into two states with contrasting socio-economic systems and political regimes, the subject matter of this book concerns three countries — Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia — all of which are supposed to be either socialist or at least pretty far on the road towards socialism. (Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia have the label ‘socialist’ in their official titles, whereas Poland is styled a ‘people’s republic’.) The ruling élite in all these countries claim that their respective societies are implementing socialist principles as conceived by Karl Marx, the founder of ‘scientific socialism’, and two other widely recognised authorities on the doctrine, F. Engels and V. I. Lenin.