This book deals primarily with social costs of transformation to a market economy in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The transformation provisions have negatively affected the well-being of the population. They brought about unemployment, a phenomenon which did not exist in the previous, communist system, increased income inequities, reduced social programmes and expanded poverty. All these phenomena are examined in this book. In addition, the book discusses the strategy of transformation, privatisation and the economic performance of the three countries.

Jan Adam is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Calgary.

List of Tables Acknowledgements Preface List of Abbreviations PART I: INTRODUCTION Strategy of Transformation to a Market Economy PART II: PERFORMANCE OF THE TRANSFORMING ECONOMIES Common and Contrasting Features of the Transition Transition to a Market Economy in Poland Czech Transition to a Market Economy Transition to a Market Economy in Hungary Privatisation PART III: SOCIAL COSTS OF TRANSFORMATION Unemployment Standard of Living Social Policy Poverty Conclusions Bibliography Index