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Citizen Initiatives in the Post-Welfare State

Author

Listed:
  • Diogo Soares da Silva

    (Rural Sociology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Hollandseweg 1, Building 201, 6706 KN Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Lummina G. Horlings

    (Faculty of Spatial Science, Department of Spatial Planning and Environment, University of Groningen, Landleven 1, 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Elisabete Figueiredo

    (Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences, GOVCOPP-Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

Recently we have seen the emergence of citizen-led community initiatives and civic enterprises, taking over governmental tasks in providing public services in various sectors, such as energy, care, landscape maintenance, and culture. This phenomenon can be explained by a renewed interest in community, place, and ‘local identity’; the erosion of the welfare state; the privatization of public services; a re-emergence of the social economy; and tensions between ‘bottom-up’ initiatives and the changing role of the state. The co-production of governments and initiatives can potentially result in a shift from government-led to community-led planning. This, however, raises questions about their innovative potential, the democratic consequences, and the potential roles of governments in enabling these societal dynamics. This article discusses these issues theoretically, illustrated with empirical examples from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Wales, in a context of uncertainty regarding the future of the traditional European welfare state.

Suggested Citation

  • Diogo Soares da Silva & Lummina G. Horlings & Elisabete Figueiredo, 2018. "Citizen Initiatives in the Post-Welfare State," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 7(12), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:7:y:2018:i:12:p:252-:d:186592
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Lynette A. M. H. Germes & Carina J. Wiekens & Lummina G. Horlings, 2021. "Success, Failure, and Impact of Local Energy Initiatives in The Netherlands," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Wim Bosschaart & Noelle Aarts & Riyan J.G. van den Born, 2020. "Towards a Sustainable Landscape: Constructing Identities and Ambitions in a Citizen Initiative in the Making," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-20, October.
    4. van Aalderen, Nicolien & Horlings, Lummina Geertruida, 2020. "Accommodative public leadership in wind energy development: Enabling citizens initiatives in the Netherlands," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    5. Wonjin Song & Boyoung Kim, 2019. "Culture and Art Education to Promote Cultural Welfare in Civil Society," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-13, November.
    6. Jay Sterling Gregg & Sophie Nyborg & Meiken Hansen & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & August Wierling & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Sarah Delvaux & Victor Saenz & Lucia Polo-Alvarez & Chiara Candelise & Winston Gilcrea, 2020. "Collective Action and Social Innovation in the Energy Sector: A Mobilization Model Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-24, February.

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