The Changing Context of Local Democracy: Role Perception and Behaviour of Municipal Councillors

The chapters start from a common conceptual framework. We start from the hypothesis that the role perception as well as the behaviour of councillors can not be conceived of being determined directly by (i) both formals and informal institutional structures as well as by (ii) personal characteristics. Instead, we argue that the perceptions and behaviour of councillors are depending on their notion of democracy. However, the understanding of democracy can be affected by institutional structure – but not solely by such organisational arrangements but depending on personal characteristics of the councillors.

This book was published as a special issue of Local Government Studies.