Edmund Wnuk-Lipiński's Theory of Radical Social Change

Abstract

The aim of the thesis is to represent a unique theory of radical social change, developed by famous Polish sociologist, Edmund Wnuk-Lipiński. According to the author, the radical social change, so called democratic revolution, is a type of change, after which the previous mechanism responsible for stability and reproduction of an old system becomes ineffectual. Democratic revolution unfolds peacefully, without bloodshed. Edmund Wnuk-Lipiński suggests, that radical social change goes through similar stages in different countries. Usually there are initial, advanced and postrevolutionary phase. The thesis also analyses the pragmatic and fundamentalist response of the society to the transformation. What is more, work deals with disharmony stemming from the change, as well as the condition of Polish society being under a delusion of trouble-free transition. On the Polish plane the main problems are weak elites, conflicts among members of the social movement “Solidarność”, or socialistic mentality remains. Positive aspects are legitimization of democratic power, lasting democratic rules, active interest groups, EU membership or increasing democratic awareness among Polish society.