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Poverty relief policies in pre- and post-transformation Poland: A Polanyian perspective

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  • Lüpnitz, Jonas

Abstract

This working paper investigates the tension between market forces and welfare policies by applying Karl Polanyi's "double movement" study to pre- and posttransformation Poland. The analysis aims at providing a comprehensive perspective on how poverty relief policies impacted and have been impacted by social, economic and political changes. Under socialism, the centralised welfare system promoted egalitarianism but failed to efficiently alleviate poverty. Solidarno´s´c, acting as a Polanyian countermovement, turned against the lack of adequate welfare policies. After the transition to capitalism the neoliberal shock therapy with its subsequent retrenchment increased inequality and, hence, poverty remained a substantial issue. Strikes and the electoral success of right-wing populism are analysed as a Polanyian countermovement advocating stronger social protection. The findings highlight how Polish history has been affected by a close interaction between Polanyian counter movements and expanding market forces that were not adequately met by poverty relief policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Lüpnitz, Jonas, 2026. "Poverty relief policies in pre- and post-transformation Poland: A Polanyian perspective," IPE Working Papers 264/2026, Berlin School of Economics and Law, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ipewps:336777
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk & Szymon Marcińczak, 2021. "Market-Based Housing Reforms and the Residualization of Public Housing: The Experience of Lodz, Poland," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 91-103.
    2. Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk & Szymon Marcińczak, 2021. "Market-Based Housing Reforms and the Residualization of Public Housing: The Experience of Lodz, Poland," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 91-103.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • B24 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Socialist; Marxist; Scraffian
    • D33 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Factor Income Distribution
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P2 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies
    • P36 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Consumer Economics; Health; Education and Training; Welfare, Income, Wealth, and Poverty

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