Determinants of local civic engagement

Abstract

The paper is an attempt to indicate some conditions causing that civic activity in Polish society is at a relatively low level, even on a local scale, which should promote high activity. Such a situation can be explained by selected factors basing on some concepts in the scientific literature. Firstly, attention was paid to certain psychological norms, selected views and attitudes of the society that may make it difficult to undertake any activities. There are some factors that lead to a culture of distrust as well as shortcomings and mistakes made when using forms of participatory democracy (on the example of Cracow).