Demographic crisis in Poland: causes, effects and hope

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the deepening demographic crisis in Poland, examining it through the lens of the second demographic transition theory and the Lutz-Skirbekk-Testa model. The authors point to a confluence of economic factors, such as employment instability and housing barriers, and health determinants related to the medicalization of childbirth. The text explores the concept of the low-fertility trap, in which sociological and financial mechanisms create a positive feedback loop, hindering a return to replacement levels. The analysis goes beyond simple statistics, touching on the individualization of society and the impact of the digital revolution on building lasting bonds. This is a crucial perspective on the challenges facing the Polish political community in the face of a shrinking working-age population.