Community-based self-organization institutes and the quality of people`s life

Abstract

The study of self-governance in housing is a complex task in Russia, where there has been ever-changing conditions in the environment and institutional conditions ever since the fall of the USSR. These have included changes to the political climate, economic conditions, educational standards, informational space and the legal system. This article begins with an evaluation of the late Soviet period in self-governance in housing. Secondly, an attempt is made to show how self-governing units differ from other administrative bodies in Russia. The author characterizes community-based social institutes of self-organization in the context of their role as a centre of co-operation between the authorities and citizens, aimed at contributing to the improvement of Russian people’s quality of life. One issue in doing this is the lack of a unified approach to the methodology of studying self-governance, as sociology, history, politics and law departments all make their various contributions. Thirdly, the ratings given by populations to self-governing units on how they are fulfilling their work is also considered. This article identifies the essence of territorial social self-government to be made up of a combination of formal and informal principles, norms and rules that provide and regulate the activities of the population for the independent (and under its own responsibility) realization of its own initiatives concerning local issues. The article also sheds light on the level of involvement of Russian people in the everyday practice of charitable activity (voluntary work). This reveals how self-governance is spread out throughout the country and quantifies levels of involvement. The views of citizens toward self-government are also qualified through interviews. Overall, self-governance in Russia finds itself in need of much reinforcement and strengthening as a social institution with the necessary authority in the population. It remains to be seen if recent legislation, such as the 2009 ‘Concept for the Development of Charitable and Voluntary Activities in the Russian Federation’ can meet rising expectations in this area.