Between Constrained Opportunities and Social Expectations: Social Policy in Contemporary Poland

Abstract

The social policy model evolving in Poland for the last 25 years is certainly still a model in the making and best characterized as “mixed”. Both the decentralisation of public administration and changes in the economic system aimed at strengthening the market economy, resulted in the creation of the “welfare blend” where the conservative and corporate tradition coexists with the elements of a liberal model. While dominated by partly privatised social insurance, which provides employment-related benefits, it is also supplemented by the universal, means-tested benefits. On top of that, the underdevelopment of the social services sector charges families with many social tasks connected with care and social support.

This duality becomes even more visible during the times of crisis. The state seems to be reluctant to introduce effective measures strengthening citizens’ capacity to be responsible for their welfare and social security. Despite several attempts to substantially limit the leading role of the state, public authorities, and not citizens, are still held responsible for the resolution of social problems and for the satisfaction of social needs. The preference for paternalistic state was clearly visible from the consecutive public opinion polls in the years 1992–2010. The clear majority considered public responsibility for the fulfilment of social needs as one of the major features of democracy.