Civil Society Engagement and Policy Representation in Europe

TY - JOUR

T1 - Civil Society Engagement and Policy Representation in Europe

AU - Rasmussen, Anne

AU - Reher, Stefanie

PY - 2019/9/1

Y1 - 2019/9/1

N2 - 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.

AB - 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.

KW - Faculty of Social Sciences

KW - public opinion

KW - public policy

KW - social capital

KW - associational engagement

KW - interest groups

KW - political representation

U2 - 10.1177/0010414019830724

DO - 10.1177/0010414019830724

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0010-4140

VL - 52

JO - Comparative Political Studies

JF - Comparative Political Studies

IS - 11

ER -