What is socio-political participation?
Society refers to a social group that lives in a specific area. Its members share a set of common culture and customs and are governed by the same political power. Generally, the members of a society share certain common characteristics that are distinct from those of the members of other societies.
Social participation refers to the involvement of members of society in all aspects of the affairs (including economic, environmental, political and culture) of their society. Their involvement aims to narrow the difference between the trends of social development and the inclination of individuals or social groups. Generally, it is hoped that social participation would achieve greater harmony, equality and justice in society and help those in need.
Any action aimed at affecting public affairs or decision-making can be regarded as political participation. Political participation is an action initiated and participated in by citizens on a voluntary basis. It is not necessarily a successful or organized action, and it can be ongoing or ad hoc.
Socio-political participation can be classified into three major forms:
1. Contact of one’s own accord
It means that in individual cases, people contact relevant figures, organizations or social groups to express demands of their own accord. This requires a high degree of initiative by the participants, and usually involves only one or a few participants. Complaining to the owners’ corporation about the estate’s environment, meeting the District Councilors to express one’s opinions on district transportation facilities, raising questions to government officials who attend ‘phone-in’ radio programmes, and Ah Bun’s letter to the chief Executive to demand legislation for euthanasia in 2004 all belong to this category.
2. Collective action
People join to participate in an action in order to maximize the scope of influence and rally more attention. Because collective action involves more participants and demands, it is more likely to give rise to conflicts. It therefore receives more concern from the government, political representatives or related organizations. Marches, signature campaigns and Internet communities are examples of collective action.
3. Giving support
Voting for the political representatives one supports is the most typical example of this king of action. Apart from political representatives, voting in the elections of student union cabinet members, owners’ committee members and a charitable organization chairperson are all actions of giving support.
People can give support to representatives who are responsible to voters and handle voters’ demands properly. They can also make the re-election of those with unsatisfactory performance possible. In addition, the public can support individual organizations and expand social influence. For these reasons, representatives or organizations value public opinion. Citizens are thus able to influence policy-making indirectly. Appealing to other members for joint support for the related representative is at a level slightly higher than individual support, as this increases support for the representative.
Apart from voting, donations, taking part in a signature petition, and personal participation in activities organized by related representatives or organizations all belong to this category.
What aspects, levels and impact are involves in participation?
Socio-political participation involves a great variety of activities. Voting for student representatives at school, reflecting one’s opinion to District Councilors and running for the Chief Executive election are all forms of socio-political participation, but they vary in terms of aspects, levels and impact.
Aspect
- Political
- Economic
- Cultural
- Social
Impact
- Individual
- Group
- Government
- Society
Level
- Observation (attend an activity and observe)
- Declaration of one’s stance (express one’s opinion)
- Execution ( join a group and help carry out their tasks)
- Management (be responsible for the management of a group or organization)
- Decision-making (make decisions concerning the overall development besides participation)
