ALONG THE ROAD TO STALINISM: SOCIAL POLICY IN POLAND BETWEEN 1944 AND 1950

Abstract

This article presents the transformations that occurred in Polish social policy between 1944 and 1950. The aim is to show the evolution of a fundamental reorientation of the ideas, objectives, and activities of Polish social policy, or even the actual dismantling of its many traditional elements, brought about by an ideological rationale. Through this process, the activities of the state authorities, instead of being aimed at solving social issues, became an instrument for supporting the processes of Socialist industrialization. This was yet another element of the socioeconomic transformations that took place in Poland, with the aim of adapting the system to the Soviet model. Towards the end of the period in question, Polish social policy became a part of the Stalinist system. The result was not only the redefinition of its objectives, but also fundamental changes to the way the social activities of the state were undertaken. This led to the use of fewer instruments, and a noticeable limitation to activities aimed at minimizing the numerous postwar social problems.

Keywords

• stalinism
• poland
• post-second world war history
• social policy