From the Iron Curtain to the European Union: The Influence of Changing Political Structures on Romanian Family Life

Authors

Jessica Bingham, Brigham Young University
Val Binkerhoff, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Iron Curtain, European Union, changing political structures, Romanian family life

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

Over the past sixty years, Romania has had a tumultuous and transitive history. This country, nestled quietly between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea, once maintained its traditional social structure, inhibiting a shift toward rapid modernization. This, however, changed drastically in the late 1940s when the Communist party moved into a position of power (Bacon, 1994). The communist development program brought significant changes by emphasizing a move toward urbanization and industrial renovation. Contrary to its goal, Communism provided Romania with an economy that was underdeveloped and inefficient (Zamfir, 2001). The effects of this and later political movements have piloted Romania through its difficult, but assimilative path. Through the years, Romania’s evolving political structure has skillfully bled into the realm of family life, and, as Romanians see their families change and adapt to the present circumstances, the heart of the intimacy and meaning of family life is be found in the stories of the people themselves.

Recommended Citation

Bingham, Jessica and Binkerhoff, Val (2013) "From the Iron Curtain to the European Union: The Influence of Changing Political Structures on Romanian Family Life," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2147.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2147