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Copyright of Zeitschrift für Soziologie is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents information about planning initiatives in the political system of socialism, especially in 20th century East Germany. It is noted that every nation makes plans, but that socialized states are at a disadvantage since the governing party's plan may conflict with scientific technical practice. Descriptions are given of East Germany's system of contracts. Further comments are made concerning the differences between socialized planning and the planning strategies used in capitalistic countries such as the U.S.