Creating a Democratic Mindset Through Public Communication: The Romanian Experience

• In Event: Communication Interventions in Fostering Democratic Societies: Countries in Transition

Abstract

After the fall of communism, Romania experienced transformations at all levels of society that included significant political, economic, cultural, and social shifts. In emerging from a communist system in which free expression was prohibited, the social mindset was slow to adapt, as the public did not know how to participate in communal governance, and the government -- which also owned the majority of the economic institutions -- did not know how to communicate with its citizens. In opening channels of communication between government institutions and society, communication professionals played pivotal roles. In particular, public relations practices transported from multinational companies and foreign organizations were used to disrupt repressive traditions and alter attitudes and behavior. Public participation in the country’s development occurred gradually in response to communication efforts promoting an open society and diversity of expressions. The Romanian experience illustrates the role and impact of communication interventions in fostering more open societies.

Author

• Antoaneta M. Vanc, Quinnipiac