Towards regionalisation in Poland’s social policy

Abstract

The article aims to demonstrate that today’s Poland needs a move toward the embracement of regionalism in social policy, and that this evolution must be supported by research as well as practical endeavours. The rationale can be sought in many external and, primarily, internal factors. The nation’s present living standard and level of awareness call for better coordination of institutional efforts, empowerment of regional governments, and social policies that are more closely attuned to local preferences. The question that remains open is to what extent this decentralisation should be a top-down process, and to what extent it should occur bottom-up, driven by independent initiatives undertaken by regional governments (with relevant regulations following in their wake). Either process entails devolving the decision making power to regions, enabling them to control social transfers, redistribute and allocate funds to social services, and adjust relevant policies to the region’s needs and potential. Under the redefinition of social policy proposed in this