Transitional social policy in the Czech Republic and Poland

Abstract

It is argued that the Czech Republic's attention to the social effects of its economic reforms has significantly reduced the negative impact of these reforms, while Poland's ignorance of social aspects of its economic policies has severely hampered the reform process. The social net erected by the Czech Republic in the postcommunist period is credited with reducing social insecurity, while the lack of such a safety net in Poland has led to widespread social displeasure & significant social problems. It is suggested that because of its attention to such issues, the Czech Republic is on its way toward the rebirth of a welfare state, while in Poland, progress has not gone beyond reactive measures.