Name(s):
Lack of involvement in community affairs
Absence of community participation
Uninvolved citizenry
Unclaimed local responsibility
Declining participation in neighbourhood communities
Minimal community involvement
Limited participation in neighbourhood action
Lack of practical engagement in modern community life
Minimum participation in local social processes
Claim
Participation may be both the cause and the result of a well integrated community, and where it does not exist, intergroup (especially interracial) conflict is likely to occur, involving violence, crime, discrimination and prejudice. Where participation in local politics is lacking, corruption and bureaucratic abuse are more likely to occur, because actions taken at the local level are not contested. Participation implies responsibility and where it is not taken, the community is open to anarchy or elitist control of a dictatorial nature. Certain social systems are more conducive to a centrally planned system; lack of communication from authorities to the members of the community may lead to the failure in implementation of social policy and development policy. Urbanization, and consequent separation of the individual from participation in the community, may lead to an increase in stress and mental disorders, in loneliness, suicide, and general deprivation in social life through lack of contact. Extensive property damage, destruction of equipment, abuse of natural resources and vandalism indicate a profound frustration with available forms of participation.