In my Master’s thesis, The Transition of Slovene Work Culture (Diligence and Burnout), I examined the changes and consequences in Slovene culture resulting from the societal shift from socialism to capitalism. During the same period, Western societies shifted from repressive to permissive social norms, adding further complexity to these changes. Through an analysis of representations in various forms of popular culture—such as evening news programs, films, and self-help books—I explored how the transition in the Slovene cultural space after 1991 affected individuals who were initially socialized under socialism but later worked as adults in a capitalist system. I conducted my research through a theoretical overview and case study analysis. Using three selected case studies, I examined different attitudes toward work, leisure, identity, and identification with work, as well as perceptions of usefulness and uselessness in society across different life stages. The findings suggest that societal changes do not always produce the intended outcomes, but often result in a blend of old and new cosmologies—thereby creating new, hybrid realities.
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