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Civil Society Engagement and Policy Representation in Europe
[journal article]
Abstract Since Tocqueville linked the quality of democracy in America to its vibrant civic culture, studies have explored the relationship between social capital and the quality of governance. Yet, few have examined the mechanisms between individual components of social capital and democracy in depth. This s... view more
Since Tocqueville linked the quality of democracy in America to its vibrant civic culture, studies have explored the relationship between social capital and the quality of governance. Yet, few have examined the mechanisms between individual components of social capital and democracy in depth. This study focuses on the link between one component of social capital, civil society engagement, and the linkage between public opinion and policy. It argues that engagement in associations with an interest in the policy issue may stimulate correspondence between public opinion and policy through their ability to collect and disseminate information to policy makers and the public. The analysis of 20 specific policy issues from 30 European countries confirms these expectations: Issues that experience a high level of associational engagement display a stronger relationship between public opinion and policy. The findings underline the role civil society organizations can play in policy representation beyond engaging in interest advocacy.... view less
Keywords
public opinion; public policy; social capital; pressure group; representation; civil society; involvement; citizens' involvement; multi-level analysis; Europe
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
associational engagement; political representation; Eurobarometer 49 (1998), 54.2 (2001), 56.1 (2001), 62.2 (2004), 66.3 (2006), 67.3 (2007), 69.1 (2008), 72.3 (2009), 73.1 (2010), 73.4 (2010), 74.1 (2010), 76.2 (2011), 77.1 (2012); Flash Eurobarometer 114, 253, 388; International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 1999, 2003, 2006; European Election Studies (EES) 2009; European Values Study (EVS) 1999, 2008; European Social Survey (ESS) 1 (2002-2003)
Document language
English
Publication Year
2019
Page/Pages
p. 1648-1676
Journal
Comparative political studies, 52 (2019) 11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/0010414019830724
ISSN
1552-3829
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed