Драйверы формирования гражданской активности населения в муниципальных образованиях Российской Федерации

Abstract

Introduction: population’s civic engagement can be considered as a predictor to the formation of a constructive dialogue with the authorities, the involvement of initiative residents in resolving issues of local importance. Objectives: to analyze the specifics of the civic engagement development at the local level, to determine the drivers of its formation. Methods: questionnaire survey of the Russian municipalities’ residents. The final sample, based on the principle of spontaneous selection, included municipalities from 32 Russian regions. Results: the key drivers of the population’s civic engagement were systematized, and their significance for various socio-demographic groups was determined. In particular, “having trusted leaders and organizers” is one of the key drivers for the older generation and youth. This need is more relevant in the public opinion of large cities residents. For the rural population, the most significant driver for civic engagement formation is “constructive dialogue and partnerships with local authorities”. The respondents show interest to various forms of support for social partnership practices, with the focus on legal and organizational aspects that ensure the articulation of the opinions and positions of residents, the protection of their rights and interests. It has been established that the population’s civic engagement has the highest potential for its formation in large Russian cities. Conclusions: the heads of local governments have the greatest opportunities for the development of population’s civic engagement in comparison with other levels of government. The key task in this context is to build trust and reduce social distance between the municipality and residents, as well as to promote active leadership position and the readiness of local government leaders for a constructive dialogue with initiative residents, and to accumulate reputational capital of power.