O RELACJI MIĘDZY SYSTEMOWYM A SPOŁECZNYM OBLICZEM KSENOFOBII W POLSCE

This article concentrates on the socio-political situation of foreigners migrating to Poland and on the social climate related to their presence. In the latter subject special emphasis will be put on the attitude of Poles towards emigrants. We point to the relations which develop between institutionalized xenophobia, i.e. the creation of administrative barriers for mobility, and the distrust Poles present towards foreigners. The research problem is defined broadly as it encompasses a historical analysis of the perception of the notion of migration, the cultural meaning of migration, and legal issues pertaining to controlling international mobility. Based on numerous research projects, reports and case studies we recognize the mechanisms which inhibit the development of space for ethnic diversity in Poland and limit the contemporary society’s openness towards the settlement of foreigners.