Vergesellschaftung und Partizipation oder: Was findet man auf der Suche nach sozialistischen Alternativen im VEB?

Abstract

The article illustrates the fundamental difference between socialization and nationalization at the industrial plant in the GDR. The real "situation of the workers" did not correspond with the official image of a privileged class, workers and simple employees in the GDR were also at the bottom of the social hierarchy, Furthermore the real participation opportunities of the workers were extremely low. Actually the functlOnanes had the power within a domination structure, based on absolute party discipline and the uncontrolled authority of a central power. In such a society was no room for participation.