The Fourth Sector as a Response to the (In)Action of a Soft Authoritarian State? An Activist–Researcher Trialogue on Civic Experiences in Poland, 2015–2023

Abstract

The article examines civil society’s responses to authoritarian state practices in Poland between 2015 and 2023. The authors introduce the concept of the “fourth sector” as a transient, hybrid form of mobilization that merges digital engagement with direct action. They document the evolution of citizen participation – from large-scale women’s demonstrations and equality marches, through spontaneous refugee assistance at the eastern border, to massive protests during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the pivotal role of networked media in enabling rapid self-organization, while also warning of the dangers posed by populist movements exploiting fears of the “Other.” Attention is drawn to the insufficient institutional trust afforded to the traditional third sector and to the gradual societal fatigue stemming from the continuous need to respond to successive crises. In conclusion, the authors underscore the necessity for pedagogical reflection on the dynamics of social change and for scholarly contributions that support the sustainable development of democratic structures.