Transformation of cultural identity within the process of European integration (The problem of cultural and social changes in Czech local communities).

The article is based on the results of socio-cultural empirical researches on cultural and social changes in local communities in Czech Republic. The research project analysed the cultural and social adaptation of urban commu nities in the processes of transformation, which take place throughout the whole society, focusing on the expectancies related to the integration of C zech Republic to European structures. Higher degree of social stratificatio n and cohered social and cultural changes of different level and weight acc ompany processes of transformation in urban communities (presenting special local communities). The culture and the education function in these proces ses as stabilising factors because of the cultural and educational traditio n; stable system of values and practical cultural life characterised by the proportionate stability of cultural patterns and models.