Mobilization of Non-Participants During the Political Crisis in Poland,1980-1981

Abstract

One of the most notable characteristics of the political life in Poland during the crisis of 1980-1981 was the political mobilization of previous non-activists-young people, workers, and peasants-as well as greater political involvement of previously nominally politicized citizens. Political mobilization was due to changes in the institutional framework, particularly the emergence of new forms of political expres sion, and increased interest in politics resulting from everyday consequences of economic crisis. Public opinion polls indicated a greater sense of political involve ment. Institutional consequences of political mobilization included democratization of existing structures, particularly of the Polish United Workers Party; formation of new political organizations; and intensification of political cleavages. Mobilization, combined with political radicalization, deepened the political crisis and contributed to the collapse of attempts to build a "contractual democracy."