North of the DMZ

by Lankov, Andrei

• ISBN13: 9780786428397
• ISBN10: 0786428392
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-04-30
• Publisher: McFarland Publishing

Summary

The Kim dynasty has ruled North Korea for over 60 years. Most of that period has found the country suffering under mature Stalinism characterized by manipulation, brutality and tight social control. Nevertheless, some citizens of Kim Jong Il's regime manage to transcend his tyranny in their daily existence. This book describes that difficult but determined existence and the world that the North Koreans have created for themselves in the face of oppression. Many features of this world are unique and even bizarre. But they have been created by the citizens to reflect their own ideas and values, in sharp contrast to the world forced upon them by a totalitarian system. Opening chapters introduce the political system and the extent to which it permeates citizens' daily lives, from the personal status badges they wear to the nationalized distribution of the food they eat. Chapters discuss the schools, the economic system, and family life.

Table of Contents

Leaders dear and great ...

In times of propaganda

The arts and the media

The workers' paradise? : the social structure of the DPRK

Pyongyang

Daily lives

Recreation and fashion

Family matters

All things which move

Big brother is watching

How does the system work?

Schools

It's economics ...

Foreign affairs

On spying, smuggling and kidnapping

North Koreans overseas, foreigners in North Korea

Defectors

The unnoticed death of North Korean Stalinism

Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.