The socio-economic dimension of economic transformation in the Silesian Voivodeship after 1989

Abstract

The aim of the article is to assess the economic and social changes in the Silesian Voivodeship that occurred as a result of the transformation in Poland after 1989. Particular attention is paid to the situation on the regional labour market in the Silesian Voivodeship. The research methods used in the study include a critical analysis of the literature and an analysis of statistical data published by the Central Statistical Office of Poland, the Statistical Office in Katowice, and the European Union. The main findings indicate that the post-1989 transformation and the associated socio-economic changes significantly impacted the labour market in the Silesian Voivodeship. The key challenges faced by the region include structural unemployment, the need to retrain (at least some) employees, and demographic issues. The empirical analysis shows that the region is gradually moving away from mining. While the role of the service sector is increasing, a considerable share of employment still remains in traditional industrial sectors. In recent years, within Section II (industry), there has been a decline in the share of employed persons in Section B (mining and quarrying). A decrease in the share of employed persons has also been observed in Section D, which includes, among others, the production and supply of electricity. On the other hand, the share of employed persons has increased in Section C (manufacturing) as well as in construction (Section F). To conclude, it should be emphasized that the economic transformation initiated profound structural changes in the labour market, leading to a progressive decline in mining employment and shifts in the overall employment structure. Although these changes began during the transformation period, they are ongoing and will continue to shape the regional labour market in the years to come.