Locality Matters. Making participation count in local politics

Article

Is there really anything anyone can do to encourage civic life and increase public engagement in political life? The research presented here suggests clearly that there is.

Is there really anything anyone can do to encourage civic life and increase public engagement in political life? The research presented here suggests clearly that there is. The authors argue that while poverty and inequality and community strength help shape levels of political participation, they do not determine them. The way institutions work and the way those in charge behave makes a difference to whether people choose to participate.

This book is based on research undertaken in the localities of Middlesbrough, Hull, Merton, Sutton, East Hampshire and Vale of White Horse.

Related items

  1. Graphic depicting a stack of pound coins in the background and one sideways pound coin displayed on its side in the foreground

    The full-speed economy: Does running a hotter economy benefit workers?

    How a slightly hotter economy might be able to boost future growth.
  2. The outside of Rochdale town hall on a sunny day, with flowers in the foreground

    Making the most of it: Unitarisation, hyperlocal democratic renewal and community empowerment

    Local government reorganisation need not result in a weakening of democracy at the local level.
  3. West Midlands Metro Tram at Victoria Square in Birmingham city centre during 2022 Commonwealth Games

    Transport and growth: Reforming transport investment for place-based growth

    The ability to deliver transformative public transport is not constrained by a lack of ideas, public support or local ambition. It is constrained by the way decisions are taken at the national level.