„Akcje specjalne” – założenia i realizacja w Polsce centralnej w latach 1933–1939

Abstract

The national policy of mitigating the consequences of unemployment was extended in the 1930s to include so-called special actions constituting in employment support (full or partial). The actions included: creating the basis for unassisted existence, social and educational help, and employment of white collar workers. These were innovative actions that were undertaken too late to bring visible effects before the end of the interwar period. They were initiated by the Work Fund and the national and local authorities as well as numerous economic and socio-cultural organizations were engaged. Creation of the basis for independent existence aimed at supporting the unemployed in creating new workplaces or increasing the standard of the existing ones that were sources of income. Social and educational help was supposed to contribute (at least partially) to gaining occupational independence by the unemployed. A lot of interest was raised among the unemployed by allotment gardens and vocational training. Adolescents “without a profession” took advantage of the cultural and educational actions. Hiring the unemployed white collar workers consisted in subsidizing institutions that created job posts for this socio-professional group. Special actions made it possible for the unemployed to return to active professional lives. They restored their self-respect (due to employment) and a conviction that they are not a burden for the society.