THE SURVEY: The Cmr laboratory once again highlights the wealth of non-profit organisations and associations that bring the community to life, but the number of people who avoid it all is growing
North-East: risk of ‘lack of participation’
The most telling example: the number of people attending local festivals and celebrations has halved in four years. Marini: ‘We need to ask ourselves some questions; socialising is what makes up society’
People tend to think that technology alone is enough to enable us to be active, but as Gaber said, freedom is not a ‘free space’.
It may be too early to say, but if this trend continues in the future, we could be facing a phenomenon of erosion and disintermediation that the voluntary sector should be reflecting on. New technologies make it possible to help others from the comfort of your own home, without having to make much of an effort: all it takes is sending 1 euro via text message.
“People may feel they are taking part in politics from in front of their computers, via the internet or through social media. A ‘light’ and individual form of participation with a low level of engagement,” says Vicenza-based sociologist Daniele Marini, summarising the findings of the survey carried out by the CMR-Community Media Research laboratory, which he heads, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo Cassa.
