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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Decentralization and Social Capital
- The Theory
- Definitions of Social Capital
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to investigate the relationship between political decentralization and social capital in Switzerland. It seeks to determine whether a high degree of decentralization, as exemplified by Switzerland's strong federal system, leads to increased social capital.
- The impact of political decentralization on social capital.
- The definition and measurement of social capital.
- The Swiss model of direct democracy and its effect on social cohesion.
- The role of local governance in fostering trust and cooperation.
- Empirical validation of the relationship between decentralization and social capital.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Abstract: This abstract introduces the topic of the thesis, which explores the relationship between political decentralization in Switzerland and its impact on social capital. It highlights Switzerland's strong federalism and direct democracy, suggesting a potential link between decentralization and increased social capital, defined as generalized trust, civic cooperation, and social cohesiveness. The thesis aims to empirically investigate this connection.
Decentralization and Social Capital: This chapter discusses the concept of decentralization and its potential benefits for improving local governance and enhancing social capital. It uses Switzerland as a case study, highlighting the country's high degree of decentralization at multiple levels of government. The chapter emphasizes how proximity to citizens enables local governance to better understand and respond to local needs and priorities, leading to increased accountability, transparency, and trust between citizens and their government. The efficiency of local governments in providing goods and services is also highlighted, as is the enhanced political participation encouraged by the Swiss system of direct democracy. This frequent citizen engagement fosters civic virtue and political knowledge, contributing to the stability and satisfaction within the Swiss political system.
The Theory: This section outlines the theoretical framework of the thesis, posing the central research question: "Does the degree of decentralization increase the level of social capital in Switzerland?" The main hypothesis is that a higher degree of decentralization will positively correlate with higher levels of social capital. The chapter defines "decentralization" in terms of the autonomy and sovereignty of cantonal governments, focusing on their power in policy-making, budget administration, and agenda-setting. Two key indicators for measuring decentralization are identified: the degree of autonomy of cantonal governments and the decentralization degree of total expenditures. The chapter also delves into the multifaceted concept of "social capital," drawing upon various scholarly definitions to establish a comprehensive understanding of the term, emphasizing its multidimensional nature encompassing trust, norms, and networks.
Definitions of Social Capital: This chapter explores the various existing definitions of social capital provided by different scholars. It contrasts the perspectives of Bourdieu, Coleman, and Putnam, highlighting common themes and subtle differences in their conceptualizations. The discussion centers on the commonalities of reciprocity, interconnectedness, and trust as crucial components of social capital. It emphasizes the voluntary and unconstrained nature of these social interactions, contributing to a broader discussion of the complexities inherent in defining this concept within the social sciences.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Political decentralization, social capital, Switzerland, federalism, direct democracy, generalized trust, civic cooperation, social cohesion, local governance, autonomy, cantonal governments, empirical research.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis investigates the relationship between political decentralization and social capital in Switzerland. It examines whether Switzerland's highly decentralized federal system leads to increased social capital.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the impact of political decentralization on social capital, the definition and measurement of social capital, the Swiss model of direct democracy and its effect on social cohesion, the role of local governance in fostering trust and cooperation, and empirical validation of the relationship between decentralization and social capital.
How is decentralization defined in this thesis?
Decentralization is defined in terms of the autonomy and sovereignty of cantonal governments, focusing on their power in policy-making, budget administration, and agenda-setting. Key indicators include the degree of autonomy of cantonal governments and the decentralization degree of total expenditures.
How is social capital defined and measured in this thesis?
The thesis explores various scholarly definitions of social capital, highlighting common themes such as reciprocity, interconnectedness, and trust. It acknowledges the multidimensional nature of social capital and draws upon the perspectives of Bourdieu, Coleman, and Putnam to build a comprehensive understanding.
What is the central research question of the thesis?
The central research question is: "Does the degree of decentralization increase the level of social capital in Switzerland?" The main hypothesis is that a higher degree of decentralization will positively correlate with higher levels of social capital.
What is the role of Switzerland as a case study?
Switzerland's strong federal system and direct democracy serve as a prime case study to explore the potential link between decentralization and increased social capital. The high degree of decentralization at multiple levels of government allows for examination of its effects on local governance, citizen engagement, and social cohesion.
What are the key findings or arguments presented in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries detail the introduction of the topic, the discussion of decentralization's benefits for social capital within the Swiss context, the theoretical framework outlining the research question and hypothesis, and a comprehensive review of existing definitions of social capital.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include: Political decentralization, social capital, Switzerland, federalism, direct democracy, generalized trust, civic cooperation, social cohesion, local governance, autonomy, cantonal governments, empirical research.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes: Abstract, Decentralization and Social Capital, The Theory, and Definitions of Social Capital.
What is the overall aim of the thesis?
The thesis aims to empirically investigate the relationship between political decentralization and social capital in Switzerland, providing a rigorous analysis of this complex interplay within a specific and highly relevant political system.
- Quote paper
- Cornelia Baciu (Author), 2009, Does Politic Decentralization in Switzerland Strengthen Social Capital? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148657
