Ten months of pretrial detention followed the 1956 Hungarian Revolution for Elemér Hankiss, who ultimately secured an acquittal. This period preceded a career defined by sociological analysis and public service in Budapest, where he explored complex value systems and the evolution of civilizations through an academic lens until his death in 2015.
Academic Foundation and Early Career
Born in 1928 in Debrecen, Hankiss was the son of literature professor János Hankiss. He completed his formal education at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, focusing on French and English languages. His academic pursuits led to the completion of a PhD at the same institution, establishing a baseline for his future research into social structures and philosophical inquiry.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Sociological Research and Concepts
His scholarship concentrated on the value systems prevalent in Central Europe and broader global civilizations. Within the field of East European Studies, he gained recognition for his concept of the Second Society. He documented his analysis of Western civilization in the 2006 publication titled Fears and Symbols: An Introduction to the Study of Western Civilization.
Media Administration and Public Life
Between 1990 and 1993, Hankiss served as the president of Hungarian Television. During this tenure, he attempted to reform the state-owned monopoly into a viewer-oriented, competition-ready organization. His leadership during the early 1990s coincided with the Media War, a conflict between government forces and media entities that resulted in his controversial resignation in 1993.
International Appointments and Recognition
Beyond his work in his home country, Hankiss held professorships at Stanford University, the Bruges and Florence University Institutes, and the Central European University. His contributions to the field were acknowledged through the Alföld Prize in 1981, the Széchenyi Prize in 2006, and the Hazám-díj in 2008. He died in 2015 and was buried at the Farkasréti Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Debrecen
- Died: 2015, Budapest
- Education: Eötvös Loránd University
- Key concept: Second Society
- Major book: Fears and Symbols (2006)
- Public role: President of Hungarian Television (1990-1993)
- Awards: Széchenyi Prize (2006), Alföld Prize (1981), Hazám-díj (2008)
- Burial site: Farkasréti Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the Second Society concept?
It is a sociological concept developed by Hankiss that remains frequently cited in East European Studies regarding social structures.
Why did he resign from Hungarian Television?
He resigned in 1993 amid the Media War, a period of intense conflict between the government and media institutions.
Achievements
- Alföld Prize — 1981
- Széchenyi Prize — 2006
- Held posts at Central European University
.jpg)