Transitions as Socialization

Abstract This chapter focuses on secondary socialization in the 1980s and introduces new voices from Generation 2: those born after 1975, without direct memories of the transitions’ early stages, but with intense memories of growing up in the 1980s. How did Generations 1.5 and 2 socialize politically, and politicize socially, under democracy? How did each generation learn recent history? Interviews reveal that the politicization of young citizens through cultural outlets such as radio or children’s television could be subtle. The chapter also explores the political violence, including terrorism, that survived the 1970s and bled into the 1980s, and the impact on the politicization and overall self-conception as democrats of the era’s youth.