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Local engagement in democracy Findings and implications from Pathways through Participation 18 th October 2011 Twitter: # pthwys. Available from:. www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/resources. Can trends and patterns of participation be identified over time?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Local engagement in democracyFindings and implications from Pathways through Participation18th October 2011Twitter: #pthwys
Available from:www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/resources
How and why does participation begin, continue and stop?
Research questions
Can trends and patterns of participation be identified over time?
What connections, if any, are there between different forms and episodes of participation and what triggers movement between them?
Approach
3 field work areas:LeedsEnfieldSuffolk
Individual at the heartQualitative research
101 in-depth interviews
Participation as ‘situated practice’
Stakeholder engagement
Life stories
What is participation?Social participation: the collective activities that individuals are involved in
Public participation: the engagement of individuals with the various structures and institutions of democracy
Individual participation: people’s individual actions and choices that reflect the kind of society they want to live in
Why participation starts
An emotional reactionA personal life eventAn external influence
Practical resourcesLearnt resourcesFelt resources
Groups and organisationsLocal environment and place
Helping othersDeveloping relationshipsExercising values & beliefsHaving influenceFor personal benefitBeing part of something
Why participation continues or stops
Friendships
Life event
Relationships
TimeHealth
Enjoyment
Impact
Energy
The factors that shape participationIndividual motivations and resources
Relationships and social networks
Groups and organisations
Local environment and place
Wider societal and global influences
Trends and patterns of participation over time
Critical moments
Life stage
Priorities
Conclusions
Participation is personal
Participation can be encouraged, supported & made more attractive
Significant barriers to participation are entrenched
Briefing paper
Also available from:www.pathwaysthroughparticipation.org.uk/resources
Local engagement in democracySocial participation: the collective activities that individuals are involved in
Public participation: the engagement of individuals with the various structures and institutions of democracy
Individual participation: people’s individual actions and choices that reflect the kind of society they want to live in
Local engagement in democracy
The language and image
The accessibility The practice
Language and image
Perceptions of activities were important
Perceptions of the political system
But perceptions can be overcome
Not ‘political’
Voting a ‘civic duty’
Safe seats discourage political participation
Politicians seen as self-serving
Positive opinions of particular political representatives
Low levels of trust and confidence
Practice
Opportunities to participate
Negative experiences of public consultations
Perceptions of impact
No examples of public bodies proactively engaging with people
Examples of bringing about change through lobbying
Tokenistic and/or repetitious
Decision already made
People wanted to see the impact of their participation
Tension between motivation of citizens and needs of public bodies
Accessibility
Opportunities to participate
People’s resources
Relationships and groups
Need to complement people’s lives
Need to respond to their needs motivations and expectations
A lack of resources stop people from participating
Sometimes due to systemic inequalities
Groups important source of public participation
Relationships can determine success of participation
Language and image
Practice Accessibility
Increase impact of individual’s vote
Engage with citizens on their terms
Value, respect and resource those already actively engaged
Involve people early and be genuine
Understand people’s motivations and be flexible
Show the impact and limit the cost of participation
Show that people will be welcome and valued
Support social participation
Work with those actively engaged to connect with others
Recognise what is easy and difficult to influence
Implications
What has particularly struck you?
What are the implications?
What else do we need to
know?
Group discussion