The article uses a multi-faceted approach to present the major challenges to vocational education and training (VET) that Hungary and Poland have been facing during the transformation of their economic systems in 1989 and integration into the EU in 2004. The evolution of VET is examined according to historical traditions, its declining prestige,…

For the last 20 years Polish education faced turbulent changes, first experiencing a rapid increase in the number of students and the dynamic growth of educational institutions, and then facing the reverse trend of decreasing number of students and universities being closed down or facing serious financial problems. Furthermore, forecasts for the…

In the period of the People's Republic of Poland, there were almost no students with disabilities at universities. The legislative, organisational, social and educational conditions at universities and students' dormitories made it impossible for people with disabilities to start higher education. In the period of serious socio-political,…

Focusing on new demands posed by social and economic change, and applying a pattern-based approach, this study examined constellations of increasing labor market uncertainties (understood as threat) and increasing job-related learning tasks (understood as positive challenge). We investigated whether and how the groups of working individuals behind…

This paper discusses the relations between economic development, family income, and happiness in post-communist Poland from the point of view of Inglehart's theory of modernization. The happiness is understood as satisfaction with income and life, and as psychological well-being. The analysis of survey data yields the conclusion that economic…

This paper examines the evolution of income affluence (richness) in Poland during 1998-2007. Using household survey data, the paper estimates several statistical indices of income affluence including income share of the top percentiles, population share of individuals receiving incomes higher than the richness line, and measures that take into…

Prior to Poland's transition from central planning to a market system, which began in 1990, schools of business were non-existent in that country. Instead, university level instruction on economics during the socialist period was closely tied to ideological priorities, and limited to imparting skills suitable for planned economy. All universities…

This paper examines the usefulness of the new social movements (NSMs) paradigm in the changing context of East European post-communist societies and their agricultural systems and rural communities. Starting with statements formulated in Western sociology in the context of Western democratic societies about NSMs as a protest against modernity, the…

Organized in two parts, this book explores methods for incorporating concern for human needs into economic policies in eastern and central European countries that are making the transition to a market economy. Part I of the book considers economic reform, social policy, and child welfare in central and eastern Europe as a whole. Topics include:…

Evidence from studies of Polish young people shows that graduates of professional and vocational secondary schools have not experienced as much unemployment because of the schools' flexibility and responsiveness to new labor market conditions. Among the reasons are schools' experience in informal deal making with employers under communism and…

A study of 600 households found that, during Poland's transformation to a market economy, there was overall job stability; a small proportion changed from public to private sector employment; higher private sector wages prevailed only in urban areas; and those with high education levels, good health, and occupational experience fared best. (SK)

Economic reforms in Poland aimed at using human resources will better increase the need for higher education planning and forecasting, but present instabilities reduce the potential, for projection and a new view of higher education as an end in itself and not solely a producer of qualified personnel complicates forecasting processes. (MSE)

Dramatic changes in Poland's economy since adoption of a free market and parliamentary democracy in 1989 are chronicled, and resulting changes in the occupation structure, vocational and higher education, earnings, and unemployment are examined. The experiences of other Western countries suggest that a strategy of flexibility and adaptation in…

This paper examines the development of the Merchandising Management Program at Michigan State University and the development of a teaching module which focuses on the shifting economies in eastern Europe, particularly Poland, as they change from command to market economies. An overview of Polish retail trade required the development of a study to…

The weakness of English and other language instruction in Poland is due largely to the political system after World War II. Political and economic change and gradual recognition of the importance of English have recently increased rapidly. Expanded contact with the West calls for immediate qualitative and quantitative changes in English language…