For the first, the author claims that there is no clear cut causal relationship between levels of poverty and levels of social exclusion and presents numerous empirical examples indicating that the two phenomena are mutually independent. For the second, it is argued that the concept of social rights dependent on social obligations, by itself deeply embedded in the workfare idea, even if founded in long lasting traditions as well as in legal theory provide range of opportunities that may easily lead to 'graduality' of citizenship - both in theory and in political practice. For the third, it is indicated that data concerning success of policies founded on principles of workfare are at best inconclusive, it is too early to announce the glory of such policies.

Increasing life expectancies are related with increase in frequency of intergenerational contacts. The phenomenon was noticed by social policy, especially indirectly, via theoretical approaches formulated by social gerontologists focused on explanation on extent and forms of public support for the elderly. The main aim of the article is to indicate the most important – from the social policy position – issues related to intergenerational relations: bonds, solidarity and contract between generations.

In the paper the are analysed problems of disabled people’s discrimination. There are presented the terminological perspectives, as well as there are indicated phenomenons connected with discrimination practices, forms of discrimination and aspects of the institutional discrimination. There are analysed the areas of disabled people’s discrimination. The attention is also focused at the international documents related to the discrimination of the mentioned group as well as indicating the perspectives of reducing the risk of discrimination.

Objectives: To assess compliance with equity principles with regard to out-of-pocket health care payments (OOP), the comparative study between Poland and Sweden was preformed. The patient's perspective was adopted. The study aimed to verify whether the burden of OOP was more equally distributed across households in Sweden than in Poland and whether the financial catastrophe resulting from over-high co-payments in relation to households’ budgets affected to greater extend Polish families. Methods: Household Budget Survey 2003 from Swedish Statistical Office and Polish Statistical Office were utilized. Besides calculation of basic descriptive statistics, Fairness of Financial Contribution and Kakwani index were computed. The catastrophic payment headcount ratio was measured as well. Results: Although principles of equity and justice are well established in both countries, Sweden adheres to them more thoroughly than Poland with respect to OOPs. In contrast to Sweden, the biggest share of OOP in Poland is spent on pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Conclusions: In Poland, the introduction of OOP for the public healthcare services is abandoned because of equity principle. The study indicates that the rapid development of modern private market of healthcare services, where private provides regulate OOP, and constant deterioration of the public system in Poland lead to excessive consumption of drugs and private services. The Swedish example indicates that the employment of high-cost protection schemes in the public sector not only does not impede equity but may contribute to more efficient use of scarce public resources.

Slovenia is a country with a low fertility rate and high female employment rate. The article presents the solutions of a relatively well-developed Slovenian family policy, such as parental leave, pre-school childcare and child allowances. Their aim is reconciliation of professional and family obligations as well as a horizontal redistribution of income in favor of families with children. Some of those measurements should be considered by the authors of Polish family policy.

Book reviews
Information

FROM EDITOR – Stanisława Golinowska

EU SOCIAL INCLUSION STRATEGY – Maciej Żukowski
TWENTY YEARS OF POVERTY RESEARCH AND POLICY IN POLAND – Stanisława Golinowska
FAMILY ALLOWANCES AS "REJECTED" HERITAGE OF THE COMMUNIST WELFARE STATE IN POLAND – Tomasz Inglot
DYNAMICS OF THEIDEA OF POVERTY AND MEASUREMENT PRACTICES – Irena Topińska
ALMP AT THE LOCAL LEVELS – A WAY TO COMBAT POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION – Anna Ruzik
SOCIAL EXCLUSION A GREY ECONOMY– Marek Bednarski
MEETING HOUSING NEEDS OF THE ECONOMICALLY MARGINAL PEOPLE I N POZNAŃ – Andrzej Przymeński
ON EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITIES IN MEDICAL SERVICES UTILIZATION – Agnieszka Sowa
ADDITIONAL CHILD NUTRITION – Stanisława Golinowska z udziałem Dominiki Sochy
PREVENTION IN SOCIAL ASSISTANCE – Joanna Staręga-Piasek
POOR HOUSEHOLDS MONEY MANAGEMENT IN TRANSITORY POLAND – Michał Matul
SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOOR – Krzysztof Hagemejer
POLICIES COPING WITH SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN GREAT BRITAIN – Ewa Ślęzak