NISD published China Public Participation Survey Report (2012)

On December 5, 2012, NISD published China Public Participation Survey Report (2012). Based on the 8070 questionnaires in the national survey of “2012 Chinese Social Attitude and Social Development Situation”, the report describes current situation and problems of public participation.

1. Nearly half of the interviewees have not participated in any institutional public activities. According to the survey, only 13% interviewees participate in public benefit activities, recreational and sports activities, volunteer work, NGO activities or Homeowners’ Committee activities frequently. And 41% interviewees merely take part in these activities occasionally.

2. The participation channels and subjects are diversified. Different people take part in different public activities and the overlap percentage is low. It means that none of the activities cover all the people. It is necessary to encourage and cultivate more social organizations to promote benign public participation.

3. People with low income and social status face “double lack”. People with low income and social status are lack of social and economic resources and opportunities in public participation. The people at the bottom seldom participate in any public activities.

4. Young people are the main body of public activities. About 17% interviewees among 16 and 30 years old participate in public activities frequently and 47% of this group participate occasionally. The two percentages are much higher than other age groups. And those active participants have higher self cognitive status and stronger trust on the government.

5. The report suggests that the measurement of public participation performance should base on how the activities and organizations change public life, welfare and rights rather than the amount of the activities and organizations.

6. It is necessary to encourage and cultivate participation in social organizations. Social organizations provide platform for public participation and foster a large number of democratic participants who are familiar with rules.

7. The public participation needs institutional innovation and civil action. Many creative social organizations emerged in several fields, which play important roles in enhancing communication and fostering social capital. But at the same time, institutional participation channel still need to be improved. The further development of Chinese public participation asks for more institutional innovation and active actions of public itself.