The Polish culture has been working toward bettering their education system and standards for many years. In 1919, compulsory education was introduced and has since continued to gain success throughout the years as they refined the system. Before the education system was in place, a large part of the population was illiterate, but by 1978 only 1.2% of the population was illiterate. Compulsory school in 1978 started at age 7 and ended at age 18. Currently children go through primary, secondary school, and are encouraged to continue their education in a university. This type of education system is very similar to the current American school system.
Household Responsbilites
Similar to America in 1978, women did almost all of the household work. Women's role as housekeeper was a result of societal expectations. Children typically went to school, while the mothers stayed home to clean and care for another young children that was not older enough yet to go to school. It was very uncommon for women to have jobs or careers outside of the home regardless of whether or not they were married. Polish children have been taught to clean up after themselves, and are held to a high standard when it comes to cleaning on their own, however, most of the household work was nonetheless, done by the mother.
Access to Techonolgy
In 1978, computers did not exist , however, televisions sets at that time were all the rage. By the end of the 1960's there were over 3.5 million registered television sets in Poland. This is mirrors America's initial craze when television sets first made available. Advancements in technology allowed for the wide-spread use of as planes, trains, and automobiles in Poland, which helped people travel all over the country. Many Poles had radio sets and often listened to Radio Luxembourg, which gave young people a glimpse into the free world as a opposed to their experience in a communist country, it also provided a bridge to alternative youth cultures.
Gerography
Due to its location, in eastern Europe has gone through many hardships. In 1978, there was a very strong communist presence in Poland, which restricted its people from engaging in freedom of speech and press. The people were restricted by and felt scared of their own government. In 1978 an economic crisis began, which simply added to the country's stress. While living in Poland 1978, one had to be strong willed, and a fighter. Things were not simply handed to the Poles, they had to work and fight for their lives, but most importantly they had to stick together. For example, in the novel Eva Underground, there is a family that has a altercation with the police and as a result the police take away their coal allowance for the year, which would most likely kill them. However, after the incident occurs, the faimly finds neighbors in their garage dropping off coal, and as they are making trips back and forth, the father asks what they are doing, to which they reply
"'We heard of the misfortune,' stash's mother explained. 'we are taking turns!' stash shouted. 'I do not understand,' papa said. 'you will not be in want, friends,' answered stash's mother. 'your neighbors will see to that each day.'" (Mackall, 170)
In the novel, the public is aware of unfair punishments that the police give out on a regular basis, and they ban together to help each other survive and fight for a better life. Living in Poland in this time is very difficult, but the people who survive it, come out stronger and they know what its like to have to fight for a better life.
A child from Poland in 1978, is a strong survivor, and determined to fight for a better life.