First of all, questions will be raised (1) about the nature of cleavages (the concept of Lipset-Rokkan and the interpretation of Bartolini-Mair) and (2) about the possibility of a post-communist cleavage. Then, arguments will be presented to support the thesis of the existence and functioning of a post-communist cleavage in Poland (the post-communist “side” and post-Solidarity “side” in the period from 1989 to 2005). In addition – in an auxiliary way – I will consider arguments in favor of the thesis about the existence of such a cleavage in some post-communist countries.
Secondly, the issue is considered of social-structural and political correlates of the post-communist cleavage in Poland. My thesis is that it has no "class" character or strong roots in the social structure, but it is of a political-ethical, religious and cultural character.
Thirdly, the problem of the split of the post-Solidarity “side” will be presented – the split into two branches: more centrist-liberal and more right-wing conservative.
Finally, more general problem. On one hand the problem of the impact of cleavages on policies. On the other – political conditions of cleavages: the extent to which “objective” cleavages are only strengthened, mobilized and represented by actors in public life, or the extent to which they are shaped by political leaders by the voicing of issues of cultural, ethical and religious character.
