Political socialization has gained in significance for the stabilization and innovation of political systems in East and West. In this respect, the political levels of consciousness, convictions, attitudes, behavioural patterns and actions of the young are especially noteworthy. For some time now, substantial changes have been perceptible in connection with processes of modernization in developed and developing industrial societies. East-West relations have not been left untouched. The articles in this reader offer an illustrative insight into more recent developments in a variety of countries. At the same time, they document the current line of empirical and theoretical international research, carried out by both the established and rising generations in the field of political science and sociology.