Political Behavior, Participation, and Culture: Building Social Capital

Tuesday, 8 July 2025: 13:00-14:45
Location: ASJE032 (Annex of the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences)
RC20 Comparative Sociology (host committee)

Language: English

This panel explores the intersection of political behavior, civic participation, and cultural factors in the context of building social capital within societies. Understanding how individuals engage with politics, contribute to civic life, and form social networks is essential for fostering inclusive and resilient communities.

Presenters are invited to examine various dimensions of political behavior and participation, including voting patterns, activism, and involvement in grassroots movements. Papers will explore how cultural values, norms, and traditions influence political engagement and shape social capital formation.

Special attention will be given to innovative approaches and initiatives that enhance social capital, such as community organizing, digital platforms for civic engagement, and participatory decision-making processes. Contributors are encouraged to discuss case studies and empirical research that illustrate successful strategies for promoting civic participation and strengthening social cohesion.

Furthermore, the panel will explore the role of political culture in shaping attitudes towards democracy, trust in institutions, and collective action. It seeks to analyze how inclusive political processes and policies can bridge social divides, empower marginalized groups, and promote a sense of belonging and solidarity.

This panel invites interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, political science, cultural studies, and anthropology to deepen our understanding of political behavior and its impact on social capital. It aims to stimulate critical discussions on fostering active citizenship, democratic values, and resilient communities in diverse societal contexts.

Session Organizer:
Kseniya KIZILOVA, Leuphana University, Germany
Oral Presentations
Contextualizing Civic Engagement: The Dynamics of Civil Society Organizations and States
Sumrin KALIA KALIA, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany; Gregory JACKSON, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
From Contestation to Collaboration: Exploring Social Movements and Civil Society Dynamics
Ignacio CACERES, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Begoña BEGOÑA BILBENY, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Florencia CRUZ PALMA, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Urban Collective Action Around Green Spaces: A Case of Lithuania
Jurate IMBRASAITE, Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania