Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/336777 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2026
Series/Report no.: 
Working Paper No. 264/2026
Publisher: 
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin, Institute for International Political Economy (IPE), Berlin
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.
Subjects: 
Marxism
Poverty Distribution
Welfare Effects
Economic History
Political Economy
Transition Economies
Former Socialist States
JEL: 
B24
D33
I32
I38
N34
P16
P2
P36
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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