STRATEGIC LEARNING - EAST-GERMANY AS A MODEL CASE FOR TRANSFORMATION THEORY

East Germany is an interesting area of study for transformation theory and sociological theory generally because of the predominant role of 'national integration' in this particular process of transformation an d the element of 'strategic learning' among the major players guiding large-scale transformation processes. The major mistake made in the Ge rman case has been the assumption that nationalism and national identi ty are the integrating forces in both Eastern and Western European soc ieties. The 'model' case of East Germany seems to suggest, however, th at national integration under conditions of modernity can have quite d ifferent sources. In particular, I argue that one should put a greater focus upon the structural distribution of life chances through the me chanism of nationally structured career patterns and individual, biogr aphically acquired, access to nationally shaped career opportunities.