Switzerland is recognized for its high level of direct democracy, citizens having the chance to participate directly in the process of decision making of public policies, to intend law initiatives, to amend ordinary laws or the Constitution, to submit referendums. Switzerland enjoys a strong federalism, with high degrees of decentralization at each of three federal levels. A high degree of political decentralization can boost social capital. I intend in this Hausarbeit to observe if the level political decentralization in Switzerland is increasing the social capital, defined in terms of generalized trust, civic cooperation and social cohesiveness.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. The Theory
3. The Research Design
4. Preliminary evidence
5. Results
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Topics
This thesis investigates whether a higher degree of political decentralization in Switzerland leads to an increase in social capital, focusing on the relationship between cantonal autonomy, fiscal decentralization, and indicators such as generalized trust and civic cooperation.
- Analysis of the relationship between political decentralization and social capital in Swiss cantons.
- Evaluation of cantonal autonomy as a driver for social engagement and trust.
- Empirical assessment using statistical indicators like voluntary associational membership and generalized trust.
- Comparison of fiscal decentralization versus administrative autonomy in fostering social cohesion.
Excerpt from the Book
The Theory
In this Thesis I intend to search if there is a connection between the degree of decentralization and the level of social capital in Switzerland. The question of my thesis is „Does the degree of decentralization increase the level of social capital in Switzerland?”. Specifically, I am asking if a strong federalism, characterized by autonomy and sovereignty for the cantonal governments will affect the social capital. The claim that decentralization, by congregating people together may consolidate, amplify and incite the social capital is going to be validated empirically.
The main hypothesis is that a higher degree of decentralization will improve the social capital in Switzerland. Through „decentralization” I mean political decentralization, the level of federalism, how much did the central government deputed the local governance (in my thesis, the cantons governments) to exert political activity; which is the power of the cantonal governments to take political actions, their independence in agenda setting, policy making, budget administration, establishing priorities and ways of action; how much are the Swiss cantonal governments to do all this, full of autonomy and sovereignty, independent of the central government. For measuring de degree of decentralization for Swiss cantons, I will use the next two indicators: the degree of autonomy of cantons governments and the decentralization degree of total expenditures.
Summary of Chapters
Abstract: Provides an overview of the Swiss political system and defines the research interest in the correlation between decentralization and social capital.
The Theory: Outlines the conceptual framework, hypothesis, and defines key terms like decentralization and social capital based on existing literature.
The Research Design: Describes the methodology, focusing on the indicators used to measure cantonal autonomy and social capital in Switzerland.
Preliminary evidence: Presents early statistical findings using visual data to illustrate the association between decentralization indicators and social capital.
Results: Reports the findings from the bivariate model, analyzing the correlations between the studied variables.
Conclusion: Summarizes the empirical results and evaluates whether the initial hypothesis is supported by the data.
Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and references used in the study.
Keywords
Political Decentralization, Switzerland, Social Capital, Federalism, Cantonal Autonomy, Fiscal Decentralization, Generalized Trust, Civic Cooperation, Associational Membership, Public Policy, Social Cohesiveness, Governance, Subsidiarity, Political Culture, Empirical Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines whether higher levels of political decentralization within Swiss cantons positively influence social capital, defined as trust, norms, and networks.
What are the central themes discussed in the thesis?
Key themes include the impact of Swiss federalism, the role of cantonal autonomy, the efficiency of local governance, and how these factors contribute to civic virtue and social cohesion.
What is the primary research question?
The central question is: "Does the degree of decentralization increase the level of social capital in Switzerland?"
Which scientific method is utilized in the study?
The author employs an empirical approach using a bivariate model to test the correlation between specific decentralization indicators and social capital measures.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers theoretical definitions of social capital, the selection of indicators for measuring decentralization and social capital, and the presentation of statistical findings.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include political decentralization, social capital, Swiss federalism, cantonal autonomy, and civic cooperation.
Does fiscal decentralization necessarily boost social capital according to the author?
No, the findings indicate that while there is some correlation, fiscal decentralization does not necessarily strengthen social capital in the way that administrative autonomy does.
How does the author define the "social capital" concept for this analysis?
Social capital is defined as a multidimensional concept comprising generalized trust, voluntary associational membership, and social networks that foster cooperation.
Why are Swiss cantons considered an ideal case study?
Switzerland is selected because of its long-standing tradition of a decentralized federal system and high levels of direct democratic participation.
- Quote paper
- Cornelia Baciu (Author), 2009, Does Politic Decentralization in Switzerland Strengthen Social Capital? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148657
