Czechoslovakia: From revolution to reconstruction

As one of the countries in east-central Europe liberated in 1989 from Communist rule, Czechoslovakia is currently undergoing profound social, political, and economic changes. This article presents both the positive outcomes of the velvet revolution and a variety of problems that the country has to cope with. Of particular concern are three problem areas: the legacy of Communist rule, the unsettled relationship between Czechs and Slovaks, and the ruined national economy. Of the three problem areas, the latter is considered most painful, since it involves layoffs and thus directly affects the lives of individuals and families. The article reviews administrative initiatives undertaken by the government to modernize production and minimize unemployment. It also focuses on the changing role of helping professionals in Czechoslovakia. By reasserting their true mission-assist people rather than manipulate them-helping professionals can promote significant attitudinal changes in their society.