Socioecological resources of Polish youth in the perspective of resilience
Socioecological resources of Polish youth in the perspective of resilience

Summary/Abstract: Diagnostic pathogenetic model appeared insufficient to explain appropriate and adequate functioning (positive adaptation) of youth affected by various risk factors. That is the reason why in social sciences we observe increased attention towards resilience concept. After decades of concentration on resilience as an individual trait and also as a process that helps one’s deal with difficulties, a novel, socioecological concept gains importance. In this approach resilience is defined as a set of behaviors over time that reflect the interactions between individuals and their environments, in particular the opportunities for personal growth. The aim of the article is to analyze the socioecological resources of Polish youth, which are located in the closer or more distant environments where young people function, based on the “Ecological Systems Theory of Development” by Urie Bronfenbrenner. The analysis were conducted on empirical studies published by 2013 concerning socioecological resources of Polish youth such as: family environment, social support, education; employment; living conditions, parents-school relation, local labour market, political, economic and cultural conditions. Best recognized factors protecting young people are those included in the microsystem. Financial stability, family and peer group support, family rituals, build supportive educational environment. Good cooperation between parents and the school (mesosystem) promotes a greater sense of security and improves educational environment’s quality. Finally, in macro system the most important is still high level of religiosity, sense of security, access to education and good, although currently worsening situation on the labour market. A strengthening role is also played by attachment to communities and the conviction that democratic procedures are an indispensable element of the contemporary social order, and that politics is an important element in building a more just state, alleviating social inequalities.

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