From Civil Society to City Hall: CSO Membership, Entry into Politics, and Local Elected Officials’ Social Group Priorities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54195/plc.23895Keywords:
civil society organizations, local politicians, Flanders, entry into politics, social group representationAbstract
How does prior membership in civil society organizations (CSOs) shape the social groups’ priorities of local politicians? This study examines the relationship between membership in civil society organizations (CSOs) – including labour unions, youth organizations, women’s organizations, seniors’ associations, business associations, and others – and the social groups that local representatives claim to prioritize in their policymaking. Using 2022 survey data from 591 locally elected officials in Flanders, covering cities to rural municipalities, we demonstrate that a large majority (82%) were members of at least one organization prior to running for office, with many holding leadership positions. Our analysis then examines whether different types of civil society membership, such as union membership or participation in youth organizations, are associated with a stronger focus on the representation of specific social groups, including people in poverty, the elderly, local businesses, women, and young people. The findings offer new insights into how civil society organizations serve as recruitment channels for politics and may shape the policy priorities of local politicians.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Evelien Willems, Samira Azabar (Author)
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