WORKERS IN THE GDR - REFLECTIONS ON SOCIA L-HISTORY

The article gives a survey of important aspects of labour history in E ast Germany from 1945 to 1990. In his introduction the author highligh ts some barriers to making statistical sources accessible and deals wi th problems in the usage of terms. The analysis concentrates on the re lative importance of the workforce in the social policies of the Socia list Unity Parry (SED) and the development of the social structure of the workforce. The aims and interests of workers, conflicts of interes t and their solution are analysed in detail. The workers' brigades are in the focus of attention, in particular their functions in everyday life. Moreover the article sketches some effects of central planning a nd social backgrounds of workers in the GDR.