Neighbourhood relations from the perspective of Polish minority representatives in Zaolzie: A sociological and anthropological perspective

Abstract

The premise for undertaking sociological and anthropological research was the desire to learn the opinions of representatives of the Polish minority in Zaolzie [‘Beyond the Olza River’] on everyday life and the coexistence of two nationally diverse cultures. This article aims to present several important aspects of Polish-Czech relations, occurring mainly at the local level in selected communities: Czeski Cieszyn [Český Těšín] and Jabłonków [Jablunkov]. It presents narratives of the Polish minority living in this area, concerning, among other things, antagonisms and reconciliation in Zaolzie. The analysis covered statements from respondents associated with the most dynamically active organization on the Czech side of Śląsk Cieszyński [Těšínské Slezsko]. The research material was collected through individual in-depth interviews and a focused group interview. The conversations covered topics such as: strengths and weaknesses of everyday life in local communities; neighbourly cooperation in selected social areas; problems resulting from the interpenetration of cultures; obstacles preventing the maintenance of ethnic and national identity; and strategies for countering assimilation processes. The most important conclusions refer to the generally positive assessment of Polish-Czech relations by minority representatives in Zaolzie and the predominance of mutual cooperation over animosity. The article also offers answers to the question of what processes and phenomena led to the blurring of differences and distance, which have historically played an important role.