A biography explores the life and thought of Jadwiga Staniszkis, a Polish sociologist who defied easy categorization and influenced Polish political discourse.
A Sociologist Vilified? Simply Independent
Was Jadwiga Staniszkis ostracized? Krzysztof Katkowski, author of her biography, argues she was simply independent, fascinated by the mechanics of power rather than moralizing about it. Her analytical framework continues to shape contemporary Polish debate.
Staniszkis seriously engaged with figures like Jarosław Kaczyński and Donald Tusk, consistently evading simple political labels – a trait Katkowski highlights.
Why a Biography Now?
The author asks why a left-leaning intellectual would publish a biography of Staniszkis in 2026, answering that it’s because she “won” – her ideas have become pervasive, exemplified by the widespread use of the term “post-communism.” She is described as the “godmother of the Third Republic.”
An Academic Life, Bridging Worlds
Staniszkis maintained a traditional academic life at the University of Warsaw and the Polish Academy of Sciences, avoiding the side hustles common among academics today. However, her lectures attracted a diverse audience, including businesspeople and managers – the emerging middle class of the new Poland.
The Power of Her Concepts
The intellectual impact of Staniszkis is paramount. She introduced concepts like the “illusory nature of power” in Poland, which continue to resonate in discussions about the country’s institutions – the idea of a “cardboard state.” The author emphasizes that he was drawn to her contradictions, not necessarily her personal life, despite her openly discussed romantic history.
Classifying Staniszkis’s Views: An Impossible Task
Her views are difficult to categorize. She maintained good relationships with both the Law and Justice party and figures within the Civic Platform, even engaging with former PZPR activists. She participated in Solidarity while simultaneously being welcomed by members of the former communist regime.
Appealing to the Left?
Her work contains elements that might resonate with the left, particularly her analysis of the transfer of power in the 1990s and the persistence of the former security services and party officials. However, she did not advocate for worker emancipation, and her influence has been more pronounced on the right.
Not a Conservative in the Traditional Sense
Staniszkis led a non-traditional personal life, with a quick marriage followed by divorce and multiple partners. She supported compromise on abortion, was not radically opposed to immigration, and criticized attacks on the LGBT community.
The Rightward Association: A Matter of Context
Her critique of the transformation process and her conflict with *Gazeta Wyborcza*, a paper seen as promoting free-market reforms, led to her being associated with the right. The Kaczyński brothers initially advocated for faster reforms, a position echoed by Leszek Balcerowicz.
Cynicism and Shifting Alliances
The author acknowledges a degree of cynicism within the PiS environment, but argues that Jarosław Kaczyński’s political acumen sets him apart. He understands the value of different figures, even those with questionable backgrounds.
“The Cursed Sociologist”?
Staniszkis was excluded in some ways – as a woman in a male-dominated field – but she didn’t seek to build a following or conform to expectations. Her financial independence allowed her to remain an autonomous intellectual.
A Complex Relationship with PiS
The relationship between PiS and Staniszkis was one of both admiration and contention. The party valued intellectual input but also sidelined figures like Ryszard Legutko, replacing him with Dominik Tarczyński.
The Appeal of the “Deep State”
Staniszkis’s fascination with the “deep state” – the hidden mechanisms of power – resonated with the Polish right, who added a value judgment to her observations. Her views were highlighted in a controversial interview shortly before her death, where she defended the concept of “demokratura” (a hybrid of democracy and autocracy).
Choosing Her Allies
Staniszkis had a habit of identifying and supporting favored individuals, such as Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski and Krzysztof Szczerski. She prioritized real power dynamics over media trends.
Intellectual Affinity and Political Support
She appreciated the intellect of Grzegorz Schetyna and provided ideological foundations for parties like PiS (post-communism) and PO (European integration). She also supported various movements, later withdrawing her support, even participating in KOD protests against the Kaczyński government.
