Reorganising Everyday Greek Social Reality: Subjective Experiences of the Greek Crisis

Abstract

Greek society is experiencing significant difficulties due to the global economic recession. Poor politico-economic foundations have left Greece exposed and particularly vulnerable, and unable to manage or control such a major crisis. This exposure has left it unable to control the debt inherited from older generations, which has magnified during the last ten years. In 2013, the national debt stood at 169.1% of GDP, increasing by 19.9% since 2012 (the highest increase in the eurozone) (In.Gr, 2013). This led Greece to seek assistance from the EU and the IMF, which have in turn implemented a sequence of unprecedented austerity measures. Such measures, however, have had a substantial effect on the everyday lives of Greeks. Since such measures have not been implemented in any other EU country before, the possible political and social consequences have not been effectively calculated or, in many respects, even anticipated.