Upper Silesia and its perception by the Poles Cover Image

Górny Śląsk i jego postrzeganie przez Polaków
Upper Silesia and its perception by the Poles

Author(s): Agata Stokłosa
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Upper Silesia; work ethic; changes in awareness; the structure of employment; level of education

Summary/Abstract: Analyzing the results of empirical studies, we conclude that the inhabitants of Upper Silesia are still perceived as a hardworking, honest, orderly people. In public opinion work ethic is still a value distinguishing people of the region. On the other hand, Upper Silesia slowly begins to move away from the stereotypes nowadays. It is not only associated with heavy industry, but also with the area, which economy is growing very fast, which creates new jobs, improves infrastructure, becomes a place of learning for a huge number of students, as well as develops cultural and tourist facilities. Along with the economic and system changes at the turn of the century the mentality of the inhabitants of Upper Silesia, whose aspirations for both the education and labor have risen sharply, has changed. Given the demographic changes (structure of employment, level of education) and the transformation of the sector in the region, the author revises the stereotype, indicating the passage of the Silesians from physical work towards the service sector and economic activity, and the need and value of education, constantly growing in the opinion of the region residents.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 255-274
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Polish