Poland's New Capitalism

Jane Hardy

• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Year: 2009
• Print ISBN: 9780745324562
• eBook ISBN: 9781783719327
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Economics
• Subtopic: Economic Policy
• Index: Economics

This book explores the way that neoliberal policies have formed the basis of political transformation in Poland, championed by both post-communist and post-Solidarity governments. Poland was central to the historic changes that took place across Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War. It is the largest economy in the region, and was at the forefront of opposition to communism. Since then, neoliberal policies have controlled the country. This book assesses the impact of these policies, the role of capital in the form of transnational corporations and foreign direct investment. The revival of trade unions and growth of new social movements are also explored as they challenge Poland's new capitalism.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• List of Tables
• Acknowledgements
• Abbreviations and Glossary
• Map
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Crisis, Revolt, Reform and Repression: Poland 1945 to 1990
• 3 The Leap to Global Capitalism: 1990 Onwards
• 4 ‘Not Just an Inside Job’: Constructing Consent for Neoliberalism
• 5 Catching Up or Lagging Behind? Poland in the Global Division of Labour
• 6 The ‘Shock Troops’ of Foreign Capital
• 7 Everyday Life Under Neoliberalism: Work and Welfare
• 8 Workers’ Organisations in a Global Economy
• 9 ‘No More Stockings and Red Carnations’: Women, Transformation and Resistance
• 10 Political Parties and New Movements
• 11 Prospects for the Future
• Notes
• References
• Index