Synthetic Socialism

Eli Rubin's exploration of consumer culture in former East Germany delves into the interplay between ideology and daily life through the lens of plastic production. By examining the relationships among the communist government, Bauhaus-influenced designers, and the postwar chemical industry, he presents a nuanced view of East German society. Rubin argues that it was shaped by specific economic and political conditions, rather than being simply totalitarian or niche, highlighting the complexities of political consensus and consumer consent.