Scopes of Solidarity in Times of Crisis: Insights from Poland

Abstract

Abstract Poland coped well with the worldwide economic crisis and refugee challenge. However, studies show that the crisis did in fact exist, and the state’s poor response to it was reflected in the citizens who bore its brunt. As for migration, polarised public discourse and the attitude of the government resulted in social tension, including extreme right-wing parties mobilising citizens around migration issues. In this chapter, using qualitative data from the TransSOL project, the authors answer the following question: How have crises and other changing circumstances affected organised solidarity in different social fields, namely unemployment, migration and disability? The chapter argues that, according to the theory of the economic recession’s impact on multidimensional solidarity due to the austerity measures, or the Polish government’s inaction, social solidarity did emerge, but in unforeseen ways and fields.