In a discussion featured by the weekly publication Sieci, findings from a study conducted by the Political Poznań Laboratory and the Institute of Psychology at the Polish Academy of Sciences were highlighted. The study, which did not receive coverage in many media outlets, maps five attitudes toward national identity among Poles: Fulfilled Democrats (20%), Open Traditionalists (23%), Committed Conservatives (15%), Withdrawn Pessimists (28%), and Embarrassed by Poland (14%).
Political strategists on the right in Poland are advised to focus their attention on the last two groups. One of these segments appears largely apolitical and self-focused, often prioritizing personal management over communal goals. It stands as the largest cohort among those identified. The other segment is characterized as disenchanted with the current political climate, frequently aligning with the Civic Coalition and left-wing parties. This group tends to favor Europe over Poland, leans toward TVN rather than TVP, and recognizes a narrow set of national heroes, with Władysław Bartoszewski and Lech Wałęsa receiving the strongest acknowledgement.
Key descriptions of this cohort point to individuals who hold left-leaning views and display openness to newcomers, yet simultaneously show a distance from their own national community. They do not feel a strong sense of solidarity with other Poles and may even feel detached from the broader national identity. Researchers suggest that this stance could stem from dissatisfaction with present-day Polish politics, though personal psychological factors might also play a role. For those who feel ashamed to be Polish, self-esteem issues and loneliness can hinder adaptation to current realities. The sense of being Polish may become a source of discomfort for them.
The 170-page report presents a range of insights that illuminate the mood of Polish society. Its significance mirrors a prior analysis from 2019 by the Center for Research on Prejudice at the University of Warsaw, a study often cited by right-leaning commentators who argue that liberals express greater hostility toward political opponents than conservatives do. A recurring theme in such debates is that media preferences correlate with attitudes toward Poles themselves, with some audiences gravitating toward certain outlets over others.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT:
HOW TO RESPOND TO THE FEELINGS OF BEING ASHAMED OF POLAND?
Note: this material references discussions reported in the Polish press and interpreted by researchers in social psychology and political science. The interpretation presented here reflects the researchers’ observations and is intended to provoke reflection on national identity, media consumption, and political alignment.
— Notes of attribution: this overview is summarized from a published report discussed in Polish media analyses.