pósíkság

Pósíkság is a term used in contemporary Hungarian discourse to describe a social and cultural condition characterized by adaptability and recalibration after chronic or recurring difficulties. The concept focuses on how communities and individuals reinterpret setbacks as opportunities for innovation, cooperation, and reorganization of daily life.

The term is a neologism formed in Hungarian in the 2010s, typically treated as a broad umbrella for practices that emphasize practical resilience over traditional sources of security. It is related to broader ideas of resilience and antifragility, but places more emphasis on social and everyday coping strategies rather than solely on structural reforms.

Key features commonly associated with pósíkság include grassroots mutual aid networks, informal entrepreneurship, modular or flexible work arrangements, and an emphasis on local resources and skills. Cultural expressions such as neighborhood initiatives, community events, and collaborative problem-solving are frequently cited as manifestations of pósíkság, reflecting a shift toward collective, bottom-up approaches to stability.

Historical and social contexts for the concept point to periods of economic volatility, policy shifts, and political upheaval that reduce formal protections. In scholarly and media discussions, pósíkság is used to analyze how societies survive and adapt within constrained institutional environments, highlighting the role of social capital and local agency.

Reception of the concept is mixed. Proponents view pósíkság as a constructive frame for resilience and solidarity, while critics argue that it can mask structural inequities, place excessive burdens on individuals, and divert attention from necessary policy solutions. See also: resilience, mutual aid, antifragility, post-crisis recovery.