The role of political cultures in public participation

01.12.2006 - 31.08.2007
Assigned research project
Public participation is increasingly at the core of the political and academic debate about improving existing governance structures and democratic systems. Interestingly, the role of political cultures in shaping the development und implementation of participation processes has been neglected until now. Political cultures basically refer to the 'subjective' and 'cultural' dimensions of political-administrative systems. Political cultures, which mainly consist of forms of interaction, opinions, mentalities and attitudes, are learnt and internalised in different phases of socialisation and of life. They have to be considered in the context of social milieus showing similarities with regard to social status and to their idenfication with and reference to place ('Habitus of places'). Mainly the following questions will be addressed in the project: -Which forms of political cultures can be identified in certain public participation processes? -What is the role of the citizens' 'willingness to participate' in these different cultures? -Which relationships exist between political cultures and social milieus? -Which political cultures can be identified within the political-administrative systems, and, how are they shaping the development and implementation of participation processes?

People

Project leader

Institute

Contract/collaboration

  • Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft

Research focus

  • Business Informatics: 5%
  • Beyond TUW-research focus: 15%
  • Energy Active Buildings, Settlements and Spatial Infrastructures: 70%
  • Sustainable and Low Emission Mobility: 10%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
Politische Kulturenpolitical cultures
GovernanceGovernance
Öffentlichkeitsbeteiligungpublic participation
DemokratieDemocracy

Publications