6.  Impact on Society:

Democratic decentralization, like democratization more generally, tends not to promote radical social transformation. Elites usually capture too much power within decentralized authorities for that to occur. This is especially true in the early years after decentralization - over time, disadvantaged groups sometimes learn how to make systems work for their benefit. But democratic decentralization often impacts constructively on society in several ways.

A. Increasing participation: It almost always triggers an increase in political participation - both at and between elections. Voter turnout tends to increase, as does participation in election campaigns. And between elections, the increased openness, responsiveness and accountability of decentralized authorities usually enables and inspires individuals and groups within society to contact elected representatives more often than before. Since bureaucrats become answerable to elected representatives, individuals and groups also tend to contact them more often. And people increasingly involve themselves in petitioning and public meetings to welcome, to protest against, or to seek to influence decisions by local bodies.

B. Strengthening civil society and social capital: Democratic decentralization almost always strengthens voluntary associations civil society. New associations tend to form in response to decentralization, and existing associations tend to be enlivened. Its impact of on social capital is usually, but not always, positive. The density of associational ties within society increases, and - insofar as accommodative politics is practiced by elected authorities - trust increases. Over the longer term (as disadvantaged groups learn to assert themselves), accommodative politics tends to predominate more often. But in highly inequitable societies, decentralized bodies can be captured by elites who deal uncompromisingly with poorer, weaker groups. In such circumstances, trust and the growth of social capital are not fostered.

C. Catalysing and moderating social conflict and unrest: Democratic decentralization almost always causes political competition, a form of conflict, to quicken and intensify. But it also tends to moderate and 'civilise' it, since contestants must observe the niceties of the democratic process. It can also - sometimes - act as a counterweight to separatist or insurrectionary movements. If minorities that are inclined towards separatism are given a degree of control over their own destinies within decentralized bodies, their alienation from the overarching polity may be eased. Insurgents who kick against the existing political order may also become less alienated if decentralization gives them a share of power at lower levels. In Uganda, for example, former insurgents who have gained posts on decentralized councils have urged their former comrades to desist from anti-state violence since they can now influence extensions of the state (see Box).