The effect of socioeconomic factors on political participation behavior in local governments: evidence from Besiktas and Sultanbeyli

Political participation is accepted as a fundamental component of democratic systems. There are different approaches to define the concept of "political participation". Today, voting practice is considered not to be sufficient for political participation. In this context, it is argued that the scope of this concept should be kept wide. Local governments stand out as the most appropriate administrative units where political participation can be applied. The importance attached to local governments manifests itself in conceptual level in local democracy and participatory democracy approaches. However, political participation can be effective in local administrations and in different administrative scales with the participation of citizens and their adoption of participatory understanding. At this point, the approach of each citizen to political participation varies. In this respect, socioeconomic factors are accepted as a determinant factor in affecting citizens' political participation behavior. This study attempts to analyze the concept of political participation at the scale of local governments. This study aims to determine whether socioeconomic factors make a significant difference among the behaviors of the citizens at the local government's scale. In accordance with this aim, a field study was conducted in Besiktas and Sultanbeyli districts of Istanbul. Within the framework of these studies, hypotheses that gender, age, education, and income factors have an effect on participation behaviors have been developed and tested. According to the findings, it is concluded that socioeconomic factors did not create a significant difference in citizens' participation behaviors.