Loneliness in the Collective: Youth in the Socio-Educational Sphere in Poland 1948–1989

Abstract

Political, social and economic life in Poland in the years 1948–1989 was organized within the monocratic order. This meant the existence of one centre of power and control, as well as the subordination of all social processes to immediate political goals. Education, and especially the formation of the young generation, also found itself within the orbit of political influence. The promoted educational model was built on the ideal of the so-called socialist morality. It included, among others, idealism, the cult of work, a scientific worldview, and collectivism. Collectivism was treated as the goal, method, and the form of educational work. The compulsion to function in a group and be controlled by a group might have aroused in many members a sense of loneliness, isolation, or even rejection. The sense of rejection implied isolation. On the other hand, there was a chance to reformulate isolation into a sense of loneliness. I read loneliness as a positive value, i.e. as a journey into oneself, an opportunity for self-development and for finding an inner freedom. Therefore, the following paradoxical questions can be posed: Was collectivism inspiring and creative, and was collectivism the source of individual emancipation? Were the youth conspiracy, youth subcultures, and all religious movements that contested the system, the proof of young people’s isolation or of their creative loneliness? Answering these questions is the main goal of my paper.