Urban Development Under Socialism: The Polish Experience

Considering cities as reflections of larger economic and social forces, evolution of the urban fabric is determined by change in political and economic structures. This paper examines the influence of socialist ideology upon urban development in Poland since the restructuring of social and production relations that took place 40 years ago. It specifically focuses on explaining reasons for the development of gaps between theoretical tenets and the practical outcomes of Polish spatial policy. lt is argued that spatial conflicts and social dissatisfaction emerged from internal contradictions among economic developmental priorities, policy making, and management systems. Development of urban space was determined not by disregard for urban goals but by inability to implement them.