Keywords
energy crisis
social solidarity
income redistribution
environmental justice
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Abstract
In the face of the sharp rise in energy prices during the winter season of 2022/2023, many Polish households faced significant financial strain. This situation provided the impetus for undertaking the present study. The aim of the article is to understand how, under conditions of an energy crisis, social attitudes related to justice and solidarity are shaped, and to identify the groups most vulnerable to the consequences of rising energy costs. As part of the international research project Disrupted Routines, a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis was employed. The findings indicate that key indicators of social solidarity include: acceptance of income redistribution by affluent individuals, willingness to make personal sacrifices to support economically weaker citizens, and the expectation of state intervention in times of crisis. At the same time, the qualitative analysis enabled the identification of particularly vulnerable social groups: the elderly, low-income households, and single parents. The conclusions of the study highlight the need to develop sustainable support mechanisms and foster strategies of social solidarity in response to future energy crises.
Funding
Research funded by Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (Poland), ‘Excellence Initiative – Research University’ programme (grants: no. 092/12/POB5/0009; no. 092/12/POB5/0010).
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