Poland: A nation of the in-between

Krzysztof SLIWINSKI*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter aims to address some of the popular stereotypes concerning Poles, such as religious rigidness, general lack of tolerance, and Homo sovieticus mentality. One of the most common stereotypes concerning Poland has to do with its religiousness. Polak Katolik is a fixed phrase in the Polish language and conveys a mixture of meanings. Communism brought a very "special" experience to many of those who were born in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland is no exception in that respect. Postcommunist Poland still reflects some of those sentiments. They represent traditional, nationalist views on national identity. Many essays on the Polish experience with statehood over the course of history devote a great deal of attention to the geographical location of Poland. The concept of Poland being an Antemurale Christianitatis much precedes the siege of Vienna in 1683.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEuropean National Identities
Subtitle of host publicationElements, Transitions, Conflicts
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherRoutledge
Pages155-171
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781351296472, 9781351296489
ISBN (Print)9781412852685
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Social Sciences(all)

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