Transformation of the tradition of mutual aid in Bulgaria through Socialism

(analysis of field materials)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show how and why the traditional forms for mutual aid changed during the socialist period in Bulgaria. The main reason for the transformation of the various practices for mutual aid are the massive reconstructions of both social and economic life in Bulgaria after under the government of Communist party. After the collectivization of the agricultural land, livestock and inventory the traditional type of life in Bulgarian village is destroyed. Traditional practices for mutual aid, however, remain part of the everyday life of the rural population, only in the privet sector. This article focuses on two examples – the maintaining of a small family agriculture farm and the building of a house. Both examples show how the tradition for mutual aid in Bulgarian village transformed during the socialist period.

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