Recent discussions in Poland have increasingly centered on the historical context of serfdom during the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (I Rzeczpospolita). A series of books has emerged that offers various perspectives on this social inequality, particularly highlighting that the nobility historically reaped the benefits while the peasantry suffered. Authors such as Leszczyński, Pobłocki, and Janicki have contributed to this discourse, with their works providing different interpretations, from giving voice to marginalized groups to exploring the 'trauma of serfdom.'

Interestingly, many of these scholars come from backgrounds in anthropology or sociology, which influences their analyses of this historical period. Their investigations aim to stimulate broader awareness of the systemic injustices faced by the peasantry under serfdom, challenging previously dominant narratives that often emphasized the stability and grandeur of the nobility's lifestyle without addressing the plight of the lower classes.

As the conversation around I Rzeczpospolita evolves, it encourages a re-examination of Polish history to acknowledge and reflect on the complexities of social hierarchy and exploitation. This new wave of scholarship not only enlightens the public on past injustices but also prompts critical discussions about modern societal structures and inequality.