The eight essays collected in this volume study the establishment in Hungary and east central Europe of a Soviet-style academic regime and its division into the natural and social sciences. The author recounts the intense conflicts that arose between communist party hacks and reformers, and the collision course between state-socialist resource mobilization and the free exchange of ideas with Western scholars.
Focusing on everyday life in Hungary's communist apparatus class post-1956, the book delves into themes of consumption, mobility, and leisure. Péteri examines how class power and privilege influenced daily experiences while also highlighting the impact of Western patterns on state-socialist society. Through archival research, it reveals the complexities of life under communism, showcasing the interplay between local and Western influences.