Furthermore, 77 per cent of participants think that trust amongst citizens is lower now and 81 per cent that citizens help each other less now than during socialist times. When discussing undeclared work, 65 per cent of participants state that it has increased, 4 per cent think that it has decreased and 11 per cent that it is fairly similar. A further 20 per cent believe that the quantity of undeclared work has stayed the same but the type has changed. Two explanations arise from this, with many people arguing that those participating in undeclared activities today, do so out of necessity and to get by. Firstly, the perception of undeclared work in socialist time, as conveyed by those who think that it differs in nature to today’s manifestation, is that of gaining additional income to improve their standard of living. In this sense it takes the form of moonlighting, rather than having a main contribution to the budget. Ivana, a retired individual, believes it is the type of undeclared work that has changed, stated the following: “Contrary to socialist times where undeclared work was done for some extra cash for holidays and nice things, today it is necessary for survival. No one would work undeclared, unless they were ‘forced’ to do so.” Such a portrayal of the undeclared economy paints a picture of honest workers trying to make a living and was favoured by many of those falling within this 20 per cent A sense of community and positive society, but economic hardship and lack of government help was often described. Second, and although in the minority, another theme was recognised when describing the differences between the two eras. This took the form of a view that considers today’s society as one lacking responsibility. Individuals pertaining to this view, described undeclared work on the same level as criminal work, with Zlatko, a individual, explained the situation as follows: “We should start with ourselves before judging others. Some people blame politicians and corruption, excusing their own dodgy activities [….] Those people should be ashamed of themselves” Therefore, it is shown that although some participants are optimistic about
Furthermore, 77 per cent of participants think that trust amongst citizens is lower now and 81 per cent that citizens help each other less now than during socialist times. When discussing undeclared work, 65 per cent of participants state that it has increased, 4 per cent think that it has decreased and 11 per cent that it is fairly similar. A further 20 per cent believe that the quantity of undeclared work has stayed the same but the type has changed. Two explanations arise from this, with many people arguing that those participating in undeclared activities today, do so out of necessity and to get by. Firstly, the perception of undeclared work in socialist time, as conveyed by those who think that it differs in nature to today’s manifestation, is that of gaining additional income to improve their standard of living. In this sense it takes the form of moonlighting, rather than having a main contribution to the budget. Ivana, a retired individual, believes it is the type of undeclared work that has changed, stated the following: “Contrary to socialist times where undeclared work was done for some extra cash for holidays and nice things, today it is necessary for survival. No one would work undeclared, unless they were ‘forced’ to do so.” Such a portrayal of the undeclared economy paints a picture of honest workers trying to make a living and was favoured by many of those falling within this 20 per cent A sense of community and positive society, but economic hardship and lack of government help was often described. Second, and although in the minority, another theme was recognised when describing the differences between the two eras. This took the form of a view that considers today’s society as one lacking responsibility. Individuals pertaining to this view, described undeclared work on the same level as criminal work, with Zlatko, a individual, explained the situation as follows: “We should start with ourselves before judging others. Some people blame politicians and corruption, excusing their own dodgy activities [….] Those people should be ashamed of themselves” Therefore, it is shown that although some participants are optimistic about
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