Ideology, Economics, and the Politics of Child Care in Poland before and after the Transition

Because of the revival that has characterized the Polish economy since 1996—a revival described as a “virtuous” (as opposed to a “vicious”) circle—Western econo-mists often present Poland as an example of a successful “transition.” ¹ Among central and eastern European countries, all of which are confronted with the difficulties of postcommunist economic and social changes, it is indeed the only one that has managed to spread economic growth quickly while decreasing unemployment—at least up to a certain point. ² On the whole, living conditions have improved, especially since 1996 (Blaszczak-Przybycinska et al. 1998). In spite of great resistance to the process of privatization, conflicting social relations, and the weak foundations of the administrations that have come to power since 1989, this country has emerged as the “star student,” making it one of the first-wave candidates for admission to the European Union.