Inequality, political participation, and democratic deepening in Poland

This article examines the challenges that democratic deepening has encountered in countries undertaking simultaneous economic and political reforms. It does so by examining the experience of Poland following the 1989 transition. It explores the Polish public's perceptions of democracy and their engagement in political and civic life. It argues that as a consequence of economic changes, there has been a growing bifurcation of the Polish society into a small, well-educated, urban sector and the mostly poor, lacking marketable skills residents of small towns and rural areas. The first group not only views the post-1989 economic and political changes in a more positive light than the second group but is also more engaged and active politically. The article suggests that the establishment of a truly participatory political system in Poland continues to remain a work in progress.