Scientists wanted to find out who can call themselves Polish, whether they believe in conspiracy theories, what styles of attachment to Poland they have. As part of the project, a film called 'Polishness' was created, in which several characters talk about their bond with Poland.

'In the report, we show that national identification can have various dimensions, from the constructive dimension, which strengthens the willingness to engage in building the capital of one's own group without harming the interests of other groups, to the non-constructive dimension, which strengthens aggression and hostility towards others, and often also towards their own', the report says.

The researchers also distinguish other types of relationships with the in-group - including oikophobia, associated with overt hostility towards one's own nation. 'We will also find complete indifference to the issue of national identification and, consequently, a certain numbness to what is happening in our country', the report says.

WONDER WOMAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, JOHNNY BRAVO, ZORRO OR TARZAN?

The researchers identified several dominant attitudes towards one's own nation among the respondents. It turned out that only about 40 percent of all respondents are attached to Poland primarily in a way described as safe. These people are willing to get involved in the life of the country and take part in elections. This group identified more often with statements such as: 'Even when things are not going well in Poland, my country is important to me' and 'I feel a bond with other Poles regardless of what divides us'.

Among people with this approach, they distinguished two groups, which they called: Fulfilled Democrats (they constitute 20 percent, and the authors of the report compare their attitude to Wonderwoman) and Open Traditionalists (23 percent, in the report they are represented by Captain America). 'These approximately 40 percent are our inspiration for what Polishness should look like today', the researchers say,

The remaining 60 percent are people who - as the authors of the report put it – 'have some kind of problem with Poland'. Psychologists point out that their style of attachment to Poland is 'non-safe'. Respondents from these groups agreed more strongly with statements such as: 'Poles deserve special treatment', 'Only when others appreciate my country do I feel fully Polish' or 'I can only interact with those Poles who are like me'.

The authors of the study distinguish three groups: Committed Conservatives (15 percent, represented by Johnny Bravo), Embarrassed by Poland (14 percent, Zorro), and Withdrawn Pessimists (28 percent, symbolized by Tarzan in the report).

WHO IS POLISH?

The respondents were asked, among other things, about the criteria a person should meet to be considered a Pole. It turns out that the most important determinant of Polishness is knowledge of the language and the fact that a given person feels Polish. It is much less important whether someone was born in Poland or has Polish ancestors. The criterion of Polishness that received the least support was the Catholic faith.

When it comes to manifestations of patriotism, the most important thing for respondents is to show respect for the national coat of arms, flag and anthem, care for the native language, respect and observance of the law and participation in general elections.

HISTORY AND SUFFERING

Scientists also checked the attitudes of Poles’ knowledge of their country’s history. As much as 86 percent of respondents said that history was needed or very necessary nowadays, and only 5 percent described it as unnecessary. Despite a belief in the importance of knowing the history of their country, only 45 percent of Poles described their interest in this field as high or very high. Men were more likely to declare an interest in history.

Researchers also asked whether historically Poland had suffered more or less than other nations, with 56 percent saying that Poles had suffered just like everyone else. Forty-three percent said that Poland had more suffering, and only 1 percent respondent thought it was less.

'Beliefs of exceptional suffering may influence one's sense of national identity and social attitudes, including susceptibility to conspiracy theories. People who believe that their nation has suffered exceptionally may be more willing to seek hidden enemies or complex explanations for both historical and contemporary events', says Dr. Marta Marchlewska, a professor at IP PAS.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

In the next study, the researchers investigated whether Poles actually believe in various types of conspiracy theories. It turned out that a significant number of respondents were convinced of the hidden activities of certain groups who, in order to achieve their goals, would conceal the truth from the public.

More than half of respondents believe that new technologies are blocked by corporations, and almost half believe that the government uses citizens to hide its criminal activities. Additionally, 38 percent believe that viruses and diseases are spread on purpose. According to the researchers, these results indicate greater distrust among Poles towards authorities, public institutions and companies.

According to the researchers, conspiratorial thinking may also be a defensive reaction to the situation of one's own group, e.g. in the case of the a political party they voted for losing an election.

The greatest distrust towards the results of the parliamentary elections held in October 2023 was expressed by people who voted for parties that did not form a governing coalition.

AUTHORITIES

According to the researchers, political conflicts can be alleviated by strengthening safe identification with Polishness. The results of an experimental study show that the influence of people we consider role models can help in changing attitudes.

As a summary of the research, the scientists created a documentary film intended to encourage viewers to explore various perspectives on national identity. In the film 'Polishness' (available free of charge on YouTube), we meet eight characters who talk about their bond with Poland. These include: Czesław Mozil, Jan Błachowicz and the nun Tymoteusza Gil, who runs the Boys' Home in Broniszewice.

The study in the form of an online survey was carried out on a nationwide, quota sample of over 600 Polish men and women, representative in terms of gender, age and size of place of residence.

PAP - Science in Poland

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