'In transformation’: trust, participation, and new socialities around collective food procurement networks in Gdańsk

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how residents of Gdańsk, Poland, create alternative social networks centred around collective food procurement (CFP). My research highlights the tension between these grassroots initiatives and the broader neoliberal economy, demonstrating how these groups navigate and redefine their cultural identity. This dissertation contributes to the discussion on contemporary Poland from the perspective of active citizens, meaning those who engage in the social, economic, and architectural aspects of city life. I specifically explore how trust and participation are cultivated within these networks amidst urban (re)development and processes of gentrification.

The key themes of my dissertation include: the dynamics of urban agriculture, the transformation of traditional food markets, the role of vegan food communities in fostering inclusivity and political expression, the resurgence of fermentation practices as a critique of the industrial food systems, and the evolving role of women in CFP networks.

I also challenge the conventional view of Poland as a ‘post-socialist’ state, arguing instead that Poland is a country ‘in transformation’, shaped by ongoing global influences and local traditions. My research critiques the continued use of post-socialism as an analytical framework, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Poland’s socio-political evolution. This dissertation offers a complex and hopeful image of contemporary Poland, emphasizing the role of inclusive spaces and solidarity networks in fostering social participation and addressing the needs of marginalized groups.