Family policy changes in Poland in comparison to the selected European Union countries in the economic crisis

Joanna Szczepaniak-Sienniak, Wroclaw University of Economics

This presentation focuses on few issues: transformation of family models, especially taking into account the socio-economic aspects of this process, and changes of family policy implementation in Poland in comparison to the some European countries. Factors and manifestations of de-institutionalization observed in Polish families are the core issues of these considerations, especially in comparison to the European background. Due to socio-economic diversity and cultural changes in individual countries transformation of the family in Europe is not universal and proceeds with various speed. More in-depth analysis indicates that although this process is not that advanced in Poland as it is in other European countries, it significantly affects disproportion between family policy solutions and actual needs of the families. The author's main goal is to present the most important features and changes of family policy in Poland and others European Union countries implemented during the economic crisis in the light of the above-mentioned changes in families. The focus of the author of this paper are those solutions which may have a positive impact on socio-economic conditions of families and fertility. In this presentation will be shown chosen findings of international research project: "Families in the economic crisis: mapping policy responses in 10 European Member States", realized with EUROFOUND (European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions) in 2014-2015.