Really Existing Socialism and Spatial Inequality —Reconsiderations on the Polish Experiences as an Example—

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss the relations of spatial inequality in really existing socialism through critical reconsideration of the previous literature, and to propose some alternative ideas to elabotate the problem. Three approaches were adopted in the present study: First of all, the theoretical aspects of the problem are discussed. Secondly, through analysing the changing regional policies in postwar socialist Poland, the author attempts to make clear whether there existed efficient and consistent regional policies to eliminate the spatial disparities in Poland. Third, the actual conditions of the regional disparities are measured and escribed in the later section of this paper. Finally, the author presents his interpretations on the inequalities under socialism in a spatial context, and proposes to introduce some alternative ideas in order to elaborate the previous discussions on this theme. Regional equality under socialism is defined by saying that every individual in society has to have equal access to economic, social and cultural opportunities, including spatially equal access, within the social, occupational and ethnic groups. Fuchs, R. J. & Demko, G. J.'s paper, focusing on the spatial equality problems under existing socialism, started their discussions from the firm faith that socialism is incompatible with spatial inequality and that regional policies should eliminate regional disparities. Many scholars considered different aspects of this problem using this premise. This common view in recent studies is the object of criticism by the author of this paper, because the ideological bases for equalization are so vague and indefinite and no one has justified the theoretical commitment to the elimination of spatial inequality. © 1988, The Human Geographical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.