Two Recognition Gaps. The Problem of the Distribution of Respect in Polish Society

This chapter examines the distribution of respect in Central European countries undergoing transformation, with Poland as a critical case study. In the first section, the author claims that understanding recognition, in a post-status society, is important for understanding political and social conflicts. In sociological research, recognition is less often considered a dimension of inequality and injustice. The second section presents data from a survey of a representative sample of Polish society (1,000 respondents) and interprets the findings. On the basis of Axel Honneth's theoretical framework of recognition and the recognition gap perspective, the author advances the thesis that there are two main recognition gaps within Polish society. A recognition gap is a form of inequality and injustice experienced by people on the basis of class and status differences. The recognition gap refers to the disrespected in two main groups. The first is minorities; the second is the denigrated. While the first lack of recognition mainly involves injustice (deprivation of rights), the second concerns people who are generally despised due to their material and cultural status. In the conclusions, the author argues that people experiencing this lack of recognition are pitted against each other by populist politicians in a zero-sum game.