This publication offers a comprehensive legal, sociological, and cultural analysis of traditional and contemporary forms of social participation in selected Central and Eastern European countries. It examines the axiological foundations of participatory attitudes and their impact on civic engagement, while also presenting practical examples of their implementation and influence on local communities.

By presenting participatory models, the publication highlights various interdependencies shaping civic activity. While many forms of participation are similar or analogous, others are unique in nature. Regardless of the level of democratic development, citizens’ habits, or even the state of war, the analysis demonstrates that at the current stage of democratic development social participation can no longer be disregarded, as citizens increasingly strive for co-decision-making.

Addressed to scholars and practitioners concerned with local democracy and civic participation, the work highlights the growing significance of social participation as an integral element of modern democratic societies.

Kazimierz Bandarzewski, Department of Self-Government Law, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

Magdalena Małecka-Łyszczek, Department of Constitutional and Administrative Law and Public Procurement Institute of Law, Cracow University of Economics, Kraków, Poland

Marek Mączyński, Department of Self-Government Law, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland

Katarzyna Eliasz, Department of Self-Government Law, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland