Power and the Logic of Distribution in Poland
Power and the Logic of Distribution in Poland
Author(s): Michael D. Kennedy, Ireneusz BiałeckiSubject(s): Economic history, Political history, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, Politics and society, Social differentiation, Post-War period (1950 - 1989), Socio-Economic Research
Published by: SAGE Publications Ltd
Keywords: Poland; social stratification; socialism; logic of distribution; social inequality; distribution of power; distribution of goods and services; power and privilege;
Summary/Abstract: "Who gets what and why?" is the central problem of stratification research. Distribution also figures prominently in descriptions of socialism. "Effectiveness" and "egalitarianism" are supposed to be the factors determining socialism's logic of distribution. This account of socialism's inequalities leaves out power, a dimension most nonfunctionalist theorists find essential to explaining other forms of inequality. In what follows, we consider the relationship between power and the logic of distribution in Poland. Drawing on recent Polish social research to illustrate our thesis, we argue that power resources are constrained through a system of vassalage and their translation into privilege is distorted through the operation of a generalized market. [...]
Journal: East European Politics and Societies
- Issue Year: 03/1989
- Issue No: 02
- Page Range: 300-328
- Page Count: 29
- Language: English
- Content File-PDF