Psychology in former Czechoslovakia under the communist regime

What is it about?

The study examines the development of psychology in former Czechoslovakia during the period of "normalization" (1968-1989) and the challenges it faced under the communist regime. It explores how the regime's control over academic and intellectual freedoms, along with restricted connections to Western psychology, influenced the trajectory of the field. Three distinct groups of psychologists are identified based on their adaptability to regime demands, providing insights into the dynamics of conformity and autonomy within the profession.

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Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash

Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Scholars from free, democratic countries may find it difficult to understand how communist ideology influenced the trajectory of psychology in countries behind the Iron Curtain, including former Czechoslovakia, and to grasp the challenges of daily life that psychologists faced in attempting to adapt to specific conditions, including the constant struggle with internal conflicts and intellectual discomfort.