Dirty Togetherness: From Poland Under Communism to Weaponised Corruption Today

The concept of “dirty togetherness” appears even more significant today than when Adam Podgórecki identified the phenomenon in 1980’s communist Poland. Then, it captured the dynamic of a resource-scarce society in which trusted family and friends operated in informal social networks to secure goods and services. Through cliquish and close-knit networks, they coped with shortages and distrust of the state. In the decades since, “dirty togetherness” took on new dimensions, as these informal networks adapted to, and helped shape, market and democratic institutions of the new Poland. Today, the currency of the concept extends beyond Poland and post-communist space. Dirtily together networks engaging in “weaponised corruption,” the use of corruption for geopolitical ends, pose a palpable threat to democracy. In this essay, I explore Podgórecki’s concept, the legacies associated with it, and its applicability beyond its originating context. I suggest guiding questions for research. In the decades since, “dirty togetherness” took on new dimensions, as these informal networks adapted to, and helped shape, market and democratic institutions of the new Poland. Today, the currency of the concept today extends beyond Poland and post-communist space. Dirtily together networks engaging in “weaponized corruption,” the use of corruption for geopolitical ends, pose a palpable threat to democracy. In this essay, I explore Podgórecki’s concept, the legacies associated with it, and its applicability beyond its originating context. I suggest guiding questions for research.