POLITICAL SOURCES OF SECULARISATION PROCESSES IN POLAND

The aim of the presented research is to analyse the political sources of secularisation processes in Poland. In specific circumstances, the sphere of politics may be a predictor of secularisation processes. This can be fostered by a strong link between state structures and religious institutions. In the course of the research procedure, two potential political sources of secularisation processes were identified: institutional and social ones. The institutional one involves the acquisition of political relevance by new party movements with secularisation-oriented programme assumptions. This is considered in particular in terms of their non-adherence to the traditional shape of the left-right dyad. The social source of secularisation processes may involve the emergence of populist attitudes among the general public. Political populism can be a factor in reducing individuals. motivation to follow traditional rules. It may also weaken the ties to traditional political parties. The analysis has shown that in Poland, political factors are a weak source of secularisation processes. This is due both to the poor institutionalisation of new political parties in the Polish party system and to the generally negligible presence of populist attitudes in the Polish society.