Thesis (M.A.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-108). Also available via the Internet.

This study attempts to evaluate whether or not the theories of social change and conflict formulated in the United States and Western Europe can be applied to postcommunist societies. In particular, with Poland as a case study, the applicability of two theories has been examined. One is Ronald Inglehart's theory of a shift from materialist to postmaterialist values in postindustrial societies. The other one is Ralf Dahrendorf's theory of the modern social conflict and the emergence of the underclass in postindustrial societies. The operationalization of Inglehart's theory has been based on the support given to political parties in the Polish parliamentary elections on September 19, 1993. The findings suggest that there is a value cleavage in Polish society between older and younger age cohorts. The conditions of the socioeconomic environment prevailing during the maturation period of each age cohort appear to be a main factor causing the differences in value orientation. Since older age cohorts experienced World War II and the subsequent economic hardships they give priority to personal safety and economic security (materialist values). Younger age cohorts take their economic well-being for granted and are interested in problems like the condition of the natural environment or the sense of life (postmaterialist values). The operationalization of Dahrendorf's theory has been based on statistical data from Poland. The findings suggest that although it is too early to talk about the existence of the underclass in Poland there are social and economic processes which may cause its emergence. These processes include the political and economic diversification of the working class, increasing unemployment, and exclusion of the economically disadvantaged groups of Polish society from the democratic political process. / Master of Arts