Państwo i Społeczeństwo / State and Society

Since its establishment in 2001, “Państwo i Społeczeństwo / State and Society” has provided a space for academic reflection on the functioning of institutions, societies, public systems, and the changing conditions of contemporary life. Over the years, the journal has brought together authors representing different disciplines, research traditions, and methodological approaches. This interdisciplinary identity remains one of its most important strengths. At the same time, academic publishing has changed substantially. Today, a scholarly journal is expected not only to publish valuable research, but also to ensure transparent editorial procedures, reliable peer review, high-quality metadata, open access to content, ethical clarity, international discoverability, and a clear profile that allows authors and readers to understand its scientific mission. [...]

The aim of this article is to assess the role of historic hotels in sustainable development, with particular attention to promotion and information challenges. The study, conducted in Kraków, comprised an analysis of source materials, a diagnostic survey among students, site visits to selected properties and interviews with industry representatives. The findings indicate low recognizability of hotels housed in heritage buildings and weak associations between their operations and the idea of sustainable development. Respondents were divided as to the extent of these establishments’ contribution to sustainability. However, the protection of cultural heritage was consistently underscored as a key component. To fully realize their potential, historic hotels should combine authenticity with modern solutions and develop coherent information and promotion strategies.

Inter-organizational learning (IOL) in urban policy is a process in which various actors – such as local, regional, and national authorities, EU institutions, universities, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations – collaborate and exchange knowledge and experiences to jointly address complex urban challenges. The goal is to transcend traditional, hierarchical governance structures and adopt a more integrated, partnership-based approach, based on the principle of multilevel governance and co-governance. The European Union plays a key role in this process, providing an appropriate political, financial and organizational framework. The aim of this article, based on selected case studies, is to identify the tangible benefits and challenges of knowledge exchange within EU urban policy.

This article addresses the issue of information management by the Polish government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the research was to analyze the social perception of the government’s information policy, with particular emphasis on criteria such as transparency, credibility and reliability of the message. The research employed a diagnostic survey method using the CAWI technique, conducted between 2023 and 2025 with a group of 620 respondents. It should be noted that the sample is purposive and not representative of the general population; it is dominated by women (73%), young people aged 18–29 (68%) and respondents with higher education or currently studying. The research results indicate high social awareness within this group regarding pandemic threats. Respondents positively evaluated the transparency of communications and the organization of the National Vaccination Program. At the same time, a deep deficit of trust in the government as a source of information was recorded; nearly 65% of respondents considered the information policy inadequate, and 66% deemed it inconsistent. Criticism mainly concerned the politicization of the message and insufficient responsiveness to the dynamically changing epidemic situation.

This paper presents a historical overview of Polish initiatives and activities undertaken to familiarize children and young people with basic health and health protection issues. The aim of this study is to trace previous legal and organizational solutions that determine the place and nature of broadly defined health education in Polish schools across various historical periods and political systems. It is worth noting that these solutions have a long tradition in Polish education, dating back to the Enlightenment, and continued by educational authorities in subsequent decades and changing social circumstances and political systems. The article provides a historical context for the ongoing, controversial discussion regarding the place, role and validity of introducing health education as a subject into modern schools.