The Impact of Civic Engagement on the Quality of Life in Hungary
Author: Andrew Cartwright Endre Sik Sara Svensson
Publisher: Center for Policy Studies at the Central European University, Budapest, Hungary
Nádor utca 9
H-1051 Budapest
Hungary
Tel: +36 1 327 3118
Fax: +36 1 235 6170
http://cps.ceu.hu
In this paper, we attempt to answer the question of the relationship between diversity and trust in the community by taking a broad approach to engagement, looking at membership, donations as well as neighborliness and obligations towards others. We also include the latest polls on satisfaction and the quality of life in Hungary.
Since a new legal structure for non-profit foundations was introduced in 1987, the sector has grown rapidly. The latest figures from the Hungarian Statistical Office show that in 2006 there were 76,884 nonprofit associations in Hungary, up from 50,601 a decade earlier. The growth has many causes. In the 1990s, the central state withdrew from previous positions leaving many social services in the hands of local authorities. The latter encouraged public involvement in the support of local schools, kindergartens, hospitals and there were many foundations established for these purposes. There has also been an increasing diversification of NGOs with pressure groups, professional associations, cultural bodies, educational and sporting clubs being formed.
papers_soccap_lifesatisfaction[1].pdf (79.32 kB)
