Large cities and the crisis of democracy: modes of engagement between new social initiatives and local governments

Resumen

The 2011 social mobilizations meant a turning point in the political crisis that had long been brewing in Spain. At the collective action level, new social mobilizations emerged while the pre-existing ones were transformed and reinforced. The chapter addresses the relationships of social organizations with institutions and, more specifically, with the local government of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Zaragoza. Forms of local institutionalization are understood taking into consideration governance models of each city. Later, changes in governance models after the 2015 electoral turnaround are considered. Finally, the different frames of articulation between civil society and institutions and how they affect (or not) the achievement of the aims pursued by social organizations are analysed. This shows, on the one hand, the extent to which results are achieved in their specific work areas; on the other hand, the effects on the definition of new public policies and the amendment of the current legislation.