Poland

Transitions in the Postsocialist Period

The period of transition (since 1989) introduced neoliberal models of economy and social policy, the revival of nationalism, and increased political power of the Catholic Church. Those in turn led to a local form of backlash. The rate of female unemployment rose from 15.7 percent in 1994 to 20.3 percent in 2003. The Polish state also made drastic cuts in welfare expenditures. For example, the collective childcare system deteriorated; by 2006 it covered only 2 percent of children under 3 years of age). Finally, new restrictive laws concerning reproductive rights were introduced; since 1993, abortion has been illegal with three exceptions: a severely damaged fetus, a pregnancy caused by rape or incest, or when the pregnancy poses danger to the life or health of the mother.

The postsocialist period brought significant changes in family structure. Generally, the number of marriages decreased, while rates of divorce, separations and extramarital births increased. Meanwhile, alternative patterns of family life and motherhood came into view (e.g., “patchwork” families and gay parenthood). Also, the ratio of single parents grew from 14 percent in 1988 to 19 percent in 2002 (over 90 percent were single mothers), and despite limited access to abortion, the fertility rate continues to drop, from 2.32 in 1985 to 1.26 in 2006.

Hopes that the European Union accession in 2004 would lead to significant changes in women's rights have not been fulfilled. On the contrary, due to the austerity measures taken by Polish government, some remains of the welfare system—such as the Alimony Fund supporting over 500,000 families (98 percent single mothers)—were liquidated. As a result, the first massive, mother-focused grassroots movement in Poland emerged (Single Mothers for the Alimony Fund, or Alimenciary) brought to light the divergence [Page 991]between the romantic discourse on motherhood and actual discrimination against mothers and their dis-empowerment within the public sphere.

Contemporary Poland

The first decade of the 21st century has witnessed growing controversies over practices of mothering. On the one hand, the heated debates surrounding abortion, infertility, and IVF treatment have reflected the persistent patriarchal construction of motherhood and family that is well-embedded within Polish political discourse. On the other hand, the efforts to counteract dominant discourses and discriminating policies (e.g., the emergence of grassroots initiatives and organizations dealing with motherhood/parenthood such as Birth In a Dignified Way Foundation or MaMa Foundation) demonstrates a growing female agency and potential for social change.

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