The author argues that it is worth applying the theoretical-methodological schemas of institutionalism to the analysis of modernization.He views institutions as bridges or in fact “engines” which are planes of inclusion of agencies (individuals, businesses, states etc.) in the structural processes of modernization, globalization, liberalization, democratization etc. He demonstrates how mechanisms differ depending on the type of institutionalism: rationalistic choice, dependence on structural heritage, sociological (functionalistic), political-legal, international. He makes references to Polish reality, past and present, in his analyses.