Work and Education in Poland and Ukraine

Abstract

The transition from Communism has had important implications for the position of young people in education and the working world. However, there are important differences emerging between different post-Communist countries. This paper explores the changing experiences of school and work amongst young people in Poland — a more “successful” transition country — with Ukraine, a less “successful” one. The paper explores four axes of change: changes in the relationship between education and work, changes in the relationship between private and public sector employment; changes in the role of the informal economy; changes in social structure. Young people emerge paradoxically as group which is both advantaged and disadvantaged by the changes.