Ruch obywatelski w Polsce - geneza, problemy, badania

Abstract

In this paper we present the problem of increasing importance of the citizen and citizen institutions in the modern developed societies and different operative areas of the nongovernmental organisations. The paper also presents the main Polish centres involved in the studies of the third sector. New issues such as: political-industrial changes (globalisation, social security crisis and the state of prosperity), increase in the individuals' consciousness of their role in the formation of social order and the crisis of legitimating of democratic institutions led to a broader inclusion of the citizens in the decisive processes. The supported ideas are: subsidising, new public governance and social economy, all of which lead to the best use of the potential in the independent and cooperating subjects. In this movement the new citizen organisations appear and actively participate in the political areas previously led by governmental institutions (ecology, industry, social benefits). Via their creativity, and the ability to mobilise the capital embedded in the local communities they contribute to the increasing quality of life and strengthening of the social bonds. However, a strong non-governmental sector does not necessarily mean a strong citizen society, especially when it is governed by the superior regulations.