Wartości i normy w życiu społeczności osady „Pokój”

Abstract

Presented here are the results of empirical studies conducted in one of the typical old working class districts of Upper Silesia. The axionormative systems operating among the communities of such districts were shaped in a particular fashion, on the borders of two cultures and two national entities. In these circumstances there arose closed, autonomous local communities recognising their own particular and individual systems of values, norms and models. The author has attempted to formulate an answer to the question, to what degree have traditional Upper Silesian communities maintained until today their individual social characteristics which determine their identity. Empirical investigations indicate that great changes have taken place here in the post-war period. The continuity of the cultural identity today relates primarily to the older people, beyond this it is largely limited to the verbal sphere. The actual functioning of the members of these communities is now determined by norms and models coming from outside, having little in common with the norms and models accepted as characteristic of the old working class communities of Upper Silesia.