Urban communities and local participation in Europe. Urban way of life, community attachment and involvement in local activities

Abstract

This article tries to analyse community involvement across Europe applying the classical approach of urbanism a way of life and using the European Social Survey. Multilevel models show that urbanism reduces local involvement, although place attachment promotes more involvement among urban residents, regardless of their social position, political attitude, and participation in associations. This mobilizing effect is more evident in less developed countries where cities show more socio-economic vulnerabilities. Therefore, urbanism, and its form in each country, suppose different opportunities structures to promote local involvement, a relevant element in the policy frame of European Union urban development.