Policy and parents in Poland

Abstract

This chapter examines the Polish policy towards the family, in the context of the opposing family models. The family in Poland has always been highly valued both by individuals and society. Families were differentiated through the educational background of the male head of household. The years 1980–89 brought some changes in social policy, designed to protect families from the effects of the increasing economic crisis. Some social-policy commentators argue that, in the 1990s, the programme of family policy was not adapted to the conditions arising from the change to the new market economy. The consequences of transformation for family and family policy are described. The transition period brought a severe reduction in women's labour-market participation. Poland has ratified international laws obliging it to comply with equal rights for women and men.