The Transition from Socialist to a Market Economy. Privatization: the Point of View of the Polish Society Cover Image

The Transition from Socialist to a Market Economy. Privatization: the Point of View of the Polish Society
The Transition from Socialist to a Market Economy. Privatization: the Point of View of the Polish Society

Author(s): Marek S. Szczepański, Anna Śliz
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Polskie Towarzystwo Socjologiczne
Keywords: privatization; transformation; corruption; unemployment

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyse the process of privatization in Poland.We reflect on the winners and the losers of transformation processes as such, but also of their particular elements which are directly connected with privatization. Privatization in Poland started in the 80s. and is still continuing. From the very beginning privatization was viewed, by liberal governments in Poland, as the key issue in the process of political system transformation, market reforms and implementing economic freedom. Although 60% of Polish citizens agree that capitalist economy basing on private entrepreneurship is the best system for our country, many Polish citizens still represent rather critical approach to market economy because the process of privatization in Poland has been connected with two negative factors: unemployment and corruption. Yet Polish people start to accept new reality seeing advantages of capitalist aspects over socialist ones.

  • Issue Year: 170/2010
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 233-246
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: English