Berkley Center

Background: As part of the Education and Global Social Justice Project, in summer 2013 undergraduate student Elisabeth Lembo interviewed Paula Olearnik, a professor of Political Science at the Jagiellonian University and the Jesuit University of Philosophy and Education Ignatianum. In this interview Olearnik discusses what the term "social justice" means in Poland, the role of religious schools in encouraging volunteerism, and the importance of dialogue between educational institutions in Poland and the United States.

How would you define social justice here in Poland?

I have talked about this a lot with other people here, as I’ve told them that you are coming, and I think you will find an interesting reception from people on their understanding of “social justice.” When I discussed it with them, many were a little confused and didn’t understand how it is something that needs to be worked “toward,” for it is simply part of the education. Yes, there is a translation for “social justice” in Polish, but it’s definitely not a phrase that is known as it is here in the United States where people are expected to know its meaning. While there is a term for “social justice” in Polish, it is not really a commonly used term or concept here in Poland as much as it is in America. Here in Poland, it is usually assumed that schools will be religiously associated. Any work that is done in the “social justice” field is done because that is central to the mission of religion. It is simply assumed that many of these good works will be done, so it isn’t really worked towards in the name of social justice—it is simply done.

So much of the work traditionally known as “social justice” back in the United States is also done here?

Correct. A lot of the same work done in the States in the name of “social justice” is work already being done here because it aligns with the religious mission taught in many schools. In Polish schools, religious education is allowed to be taught in the public system. Poland is still almost completely monoreligious, so it is not strange for religion to be taught in schools. In the case of work like volunteering at an orphanage or a convent, that is done here because it is part of the mission of a school. This work is being done because it is central to the philosophy of the school and not necessarily done in the name of social justice. This is almost the same reason volunteering is a very American thing—in religious countries, this is standard.

When we spoke with teachers at Kostka, they gave the sheet but then continued on with other discussions. This is very different than at Georgetown, where this would be the first thing people would talk about. At Georgetown, ask about Jesuit identity and Jesuits or regular professors alike will quickly discuss the core values of Jesuit identity. I feel that at US Jesuit schools you hear of Jesuit values and the role of social justice coming up all the time. This is not the same case here at all. When we asked about the affiliation with other universities, the role of social justice was not really discussed. It seemed almost as though educators were not interested in talking about work with other Jesuit universities.

Do you think that there should be a greater dialogue between the United States and Poland?

In my opinion, the key to success is having more connection with other schools. With the Internet these days, there are opportunities for both professor and student exchanges. There are Polish clubs all over in the US. I know that a lot of times the students don’t really know what to do other than simply cultural activities like eating pierogi together. There is so much opportunity for interchange; it just needs to be discussed. A lot of the universities in Poland, for obvious reasons, are younger universities. They need to make a name for themselves, and exchange with US schools is a great way to do it. Father Carnes and Professor Deneen both came to Poland. This was a great opportunity for many of the students, and there need to be more exchanges like these. This is very important and can happen easily.