VDM Sekerdej, M: Image of the Other: Polish Attitudes towards Uk

Polish-Ukrainian relations have been invariably highly complicated. These complications usually resulted from the very close proximity, which on the one hand forced the two nations (and/or states) into co-operation, but on the other hand engendered frequent conflicts of interests. The aim of this book is to examine present Polish attitudes towards Ukrainians from a socio-psychological perspective. This perspective is understood as a research into psychological mechanisms of the attitudes, nationality stereotypes or prejudices and placing them into socio-cultural context. Moreover, the study touches upon the problem of ethnic and national identity, national character and perception of 'the other' dependent on various social and non-social factors. Polish attitudes towards Ukrainians - understood as national minority and as Poland's neighbour - are displayed on the background of the attitudes towards other national minorities and their home states.