Social inequalities in the Polish Social Security System

Abstract

Currently the problem of social inequalities in the Polish social security system is particularly important as the beneficiaries are continuously increasing in number. The need for a social security system that will provide benefits to people who are not able to provide for themselves and support themselves, for example people with disabilities, very old people, mothers, and in case of death, is undisputable, however, some solutions used in it may raise doubts about their form and scope. This paper is an attempt to diagnose the scope of discrimination and find the elements of the system where the examples of discrimination which cause social inequalities can be found. In the first chapter of the study, the mechanisms of functioning of the social security system in Poland were characterized. The second chapter presents the legislative changes of the system over the last several years. The last chapter is devoted to the description of examples of discrimination in the Polish social security system. In the summary, proposed changes to correct the erroneous solutions are contained.