Remarks about the genesis of social policy in Poland – the Krakow perspective

Abstract

Social policy in the practical sense means the activities of the state, local governments and non-governmental organizations or other organizations, the purpose of which is to equalize drastic social differences between citizens, give them equal development opportunities and safeguard them against the effects of social risk. In turn, social policy in the theoretical sense is the science of practical social policy. The genesis of Polish social policy is considered in the context of the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regaining its independence in 2018. The presented sketch covers the shaping of this policy in theory and practice, with particular emphasis on the Krakow environment. The content of this article consists of the following titles: 1. Around the understanding of social policy; 2. At the dawn of independence in Krakow; 3. The beginnings of the science of social policy; 4. Catholic thought and social activity and the liberal trend in Krakow; 5. Conclusion – a question about anthropology. Among Krakow representatives of Christian social thought, inscribed in the science of social policy, were noted: Fr. Kazimierz Zimmermann (1874–1925) and Fr. Jan Piwowarczyk (1889–1959). The selected representatives of liberal thought are: Ferdynand Zweig (1896–1988) and Adam Heydel (1893–1941). Krakow also has great achievements in the field of implementing tasks that are part of practical social policy. Its origins include, inter alia, initiatives of the Prince Bishop Adam Sapieha (the creator of the Krakow Episcopal Committee for Aid to those affected by war) and Brother Albert – Adam Chmielowski (who provided help to the poor).