In an interview, the leading political scientist discovers the double determination of the political system. On the one hand, contempo­rary political phenomena mirror existing social cleavages, and on the other hand, they still preserve surviving political traditions. De­tails of this latter are investigated, which represents a unique ap­proach as compared to the common analytical methods of Hunga­rian political science and journalism.

In her article introducing the social policy section of this issue the author who has a view on both the Western and Eastern social policies criticises those Hungarian and other East European ideas which idealize the western (capitalist) social policy models (that are far from being altruistic). She lets the reader sense that the cutting back of the "socialist" systems of provision with entitlements pro­vided on the basis of the right of citizens is a loss in the current limited circumstance.

All societies must satisfy the basic needs of its citizens, if it requires them to fulfill their duties. The regulatory role of the state cannot be expelled from social relations   anymore,   although  the  concrete means and ends of this regulation can change time after tim.

Problems of handling unemployment. The level of danger differs in different social groups. Gypsies are more endangered. The system of benefit in the world and Hungary. There is the danger of the social net of protection being broke.