Generations of Reformers of the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) and Their Intellectual Heritage

The paper provides an account of the consecutive, and ultimately failed attempts to reform the socialist economy of the Polish People’s Republic (PRL). It is structured in a chronological manner: first, the early years of PRL before the consolidation of power by the Communist party are analyzed, secondly, the Stalinist period is discussed, thirdly, the aftermath of 1956 and experiments with decentralisation and worker self-government are screened, fourthly, the late years of Władysław Gomułka’s and early years of Edward Gierek’s age (1966–1976) are looked at, fifthly, the breakdown of Polish economy and years of stagnation (1976–1986) are debated, sixtly, and finally, the last years of real socialism are subject of scrutiny. In each of the periods analyzed, actual political developments are confronted with lively intellectual debates. And it is not a coincidence that subsequent waves of ‘reformist’ ideas do not match with political turning points