The history of the GDR needs to be restructured and cannot ultimately be written from just one perspective. The official historical narrative only inadequately reflects reality, often distorting or misrepresenting it. It is essential to consider the collective efforts of all the scholars involved here. Similarly, publications by West German authors often reveal clichés and a lack of nuanced or balanced viewpoints. In the following contributions, social scientists attempt to reflect the social structures of GDR reality. This is particularly true for representations of the situation of young people in the GDR. The contributions address family life, leisure activities, value systems, and partner relationships.