Size and Local Democracy (Hardcover)

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How big is good? Leaders committed to one answer have spent billions, destroyed entire cities and towns, and created new bureaucracies - from Scandinavia to Japan. This study should transform discussion of how a 'simple' question is asked, and answered. It shows that most of the clear and simple answers are wrong; size impacts are often minimal, or embedded in complexities. The logic and rigor of the answers sets this book apart from everything earlier. It is a model that should inspire imitation on related topics.' - Terry Nichols Clark, University of Chicago, US'This book synthesizes a burgeoning literature addressing the impact of size on the quality of local democracy, understood across several dimensions. It is a stimulating read, based on prodigious research, and with practical import for those who work in and study local politics. Strongly recommended.' - John Gerring, Boston University, US 'The authors of this important book have addressed a neglected question in the study of public policy and local politics: how large should local units be? Denters and Co should be congratulated for effectively and succinctly interrogating the evidence in an accessible and robust manner. Contrary to the reformers, they find that small may be more beautiful after all. Democracy may be enhanced by smaller units: it is important to say this and this book does so with complete authority.' - Peter John, University College London, UK How large should local governments be? Scholars and public sector reformers alike have asked this question for many years. Size and Local Democracy investigates this subject in four countries where local governments play an important role but are different in size and structure - Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Based on unique comparative data, the authors explore whether the size of municipalities has consequences for its citizens' democratic perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. Chapters build cumulatively on findings of the previous chapters, to conclude that increased size may not necessarily benefit the quality of local democracy. Scholars and students with an interest in democracy or local government will find this analytical book of interest. It will also be a useful resource to practitioners with a focus on public sector reforms. Contents: Part I. Introduction 1. Size and Local Democracy 2. Confronting the Research Challenge 3. The Research Context Part II. The Social and Political Environment of Local Government 4. Social Embeddedness 5. Perceived Government Challenges Part III. Cognitive and Evaluative Aspects of Democracy 6. Political Interest and Knowledge 7. Political Competence 8. Political Confidence 9. Satisfaction with Municipal Performance Part IV. Participatory Aspects of Democracy 10. Elections and Electoral Participation 11. Non-electoral Participation 12. Direct Democratic Participation in Switzerland Part V. Conclusion 13. Through the Funnel of Causality 14. Size and Local Democracy A Summary Aassessment Index

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How big is good? Leaders committed to one answer have spent billions, destroyed entire cities and towns, and created new bureaucracies - from Scandinavia to Japan. This study should transform discussion of how a 'simple' question is asked, and answered. It shows that most of the clear and simple answers are wrong; size impacts are often minimal, or embedded in complexities. The logic and rigor of the answers sets this book apart from everything earlier. It is a model that should inspire imitation on related topics.' - Terry Nichols Clark, University of Chicago, US'This book synthesizes a burgeoning literature addressing the impact of size on the quality of local democracy, understood across several dimensions. It is a stimulating read, based on prodigious research, and with practical import for those who work in and study local politics. Strongly recommended.' - John Gerring, Boston University, US 'The authors of this important book have addressed a neglected question in the study of public policy and local politics: how large should local units be? Denters and Co should be congratulated for effectively and succinctly interrogating the evidence in an accessible and robust manner. Contrary to the reformers, they find that small may be more beautiful after all. Democracy may be enhanced by smaller units: it is important to say this and this book does so with complete authority.' - Peter John, University College London, UK How large should local governments be? Scholars and public sector reformers alike have asked this question for many years. Size and Local Democracy investigates this subject in four countries where local governments play an important role but are different in size and structure - Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Based on unique comparative data, the authors explore whether the size of municipalities has consequences for its citizens' democratic perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. Chapters build cumulatively on findings of the previous chapters, to conclude that increased size may not necessarily benefit the quality of local democracy. Scholars and students with an interest in democracy or local government will find this analytical book of interest. It will also be a useful resource to practitioners with a focus on public sector reforms. Contents: Part I. Introduction 1. Size and Local Democracy 2. Confronting the Research Challenge 3. The Research Context Part II. The Social and Political Environment of Local Government 4. Social Embeddedness 5. Perceived Government Challenges Part III. Cognitive and Evaluative Aspects of Democracy 6. Political Interest and Knowledge 7. Political Competence 8. Political Confidence 9. Satisfaction with Municipal Performance Part IV. Participatory Aspects of Democracy 10. Elections and Electoral Participation 11. Non-electoral Participation 12. Direct Democratic Participation in Switzerland Part V. Conclusion 13. Through the Funnel of Causality 14. Size and Local Democracy A Summary Aassessment Index

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Product Details

General

Imprint

Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd

Country of origin

United Kingdom

Release date

September 2014

Availability

Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days

Authors

, , , ,

Dimensions

234 x 156 x 30mm (L x W x T)

Format

Hardcover

Pages

480

ISBN-13

978-1-84376-672-8

Barcode

9781843766728

Categories

LSN

1-84376-672-8



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