[Object]To provide a liquid crystal alignment layer that can easily be formed, to which an anchoring force can be efficiently induced with less polarized light for exposure, and that is effective in controlling the orientation and pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules, and a compound and polymer that can be used for such a liquid crystal alignment layer.[Solution]A compound is represented by general formula (I): where L is a polymerizable group; Sp is a spacer unit containing methylene; Q is a direct bond, —O—, or other group; A contains a group selected from the group consisting of trans-1,4-cyclohexylene and other groups; s is an integer of 1 to 4, where if s is 2 to 4, each A may be the same or different; X and Y are each independently hydrogen or other group; and M is any of general formulas (IIa), (IIb), and (IIc):