The American Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, proclaimed that “all men are created equal”. Since then other countries have adopted this formidable ideal, however social scientists have proven time and time again that in practice, there are still many inequalities related to wealth, power, health and education, among citizens of even well-developed countries. Professor Mikołaj Cześnik, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences at SWPS University, will share his research results pertaining to social inequalities in Poland, studied over the last three decades, and their perception by individuals.
The lecture, organized by SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral School is a part of the series The Challenges of the Humanities of the 21st Century.
The lecture will be delivered in English. Free admission.
The aim of the lecture is to discuss social inequalities in Poland and, in particular, their subjective perception by Polish citizens. Professor Cześnik will analyse these inequalities in a longer perspective, diachronically, using data from the 1990s and the more recent times (i.e. the second decade of the 21st century). He will focus on five key, according to sociological theory, resources, including wealth, power, prestige, education and health, as well as an unequal access to these resources, which allegedly, are crucial factors contributing to inequalities in modern societies.
The main research question concerns the dynamics of perceived inequalities and their changes over time. Professor Cześnik’s hypotheses is that in the post-communist period, perceived inequalities have steadily petrified. Moreover, they have gradually ‘anchored’ themselves in the social structure and the correlations between particular inequalities have strengthened, which means that individuals, who perceive themselves as disadvantaged with respect to accessing one resource, see increasing deficits, shortages and inequalities in access to others resources as well.
The analyses are of a diachronic nature. Professor Cześnik uses survey data, primarily derived from the Polish National Election Study data. The preliminary results confirm the hypotheses, suggesting that over the last 30 years in Poland, the perception of inequalities have increased, petrified, and has become embedded within the social structure.
Speaker
Professor Mikołaj Cześnik – Sociologist and political scientist. Director of the Institute of Social Sciences at SWPS University.
His research interests include public opinion and political choices of citizens. He specializes in the analysis of political systems, especially democracy, and frequently comments on political issues in the mass media. Member of Polskie Generalne Studium Wyborcze [Polish General Election Study], a pioneer Polish initiative, which aims to systematically and scientifically record and analyze the process and the results of parliamentary elections, in Poland. Co-author of Demokracja - gospodarka - polityka. Perspektywa polskiego wyborcy. [Democracy – economy – politics. The Perspective of a Polish voter] and author of numerous publications in academic journals. Principal Investigator of Wiedza polityczna w Polsce [Political Knowledge in Poland] research project.
The 1989 political system overhaul in Poland and the subsequent economic reforms have created social inequalities in the country. Professor Mikołaj Cześnik, who has been researching this issue for the past three decades, will discuss how the perception of these inequalities have evolved over time.
Professor Izabela Grabowska, Director of Interdisciplinary Doctoral School
“The Challenges of Humanities of the 21st Century” is a series of lectures by distinguished specialists, who represent various disciplines from the field of humanities. The events are aimed at students of SWPS University's Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, however all interested parties are welcome. The format includes post-lecture informal discussions on topics presented by the invited experts. The friendly atmosphere of the events is conducive to networking, which lends itself to opportunities of future internships at universities or research centers around the world.
Doctoral Education at SWPS University is directed to people interested in an academic career and also to those, who would like to continue their education and personal development in support of their career advancement. The interdisciplinary character of our programs allows students to participate in projects from various disciplines. Our doctoral students collaborate with scholars from the best research centers in Poland and around the world. The master-apprentice approach guarantees that each student receives individual attention and professional support.