ABSTRACT
Arriving at a new definition of citizenship is one of the most fundamental issues that faces Poland as it moves closer to full membership of the European Union (EU). This chapter does not seek to explore initiatives undertaken by the Polish government independently of, or in conjunction with, the EU, which seek directly or indirectly to promote the growth of a civic culture in Poland. Rather, it examines the concept of citizenship, its historical and contemporary presence in Polish society and offers some observations on the political values found in Poland today. In essence it seeks to inform the reader of the extent to which Poland is a society which possesses the psycho-political attributes of the states of Western Europe, and offers an explanation as to why Poland differs from the West European norm.
