Patterns of Socio-Political Participation in Nepal and Implications for Social Inclusion

This article sets out to examine patterns of participation in civil society organisations and political activities in Nepal based on a survey in four districts of Nepal, with respondents drawn from 2,890 households. After examining bivariate relationships between different forms of participation and a variety of background characteristics of respondents and households, we construct an index for socio-political participation at the household level with a distinction between non-participation, moderate participation and high participation. According to this classification 33 per cent of the households are non-participants, 52 per cent participate moderately, and 15 per cent show high participation by at least one of its members. The subsequent analysis challenges the notion that participation is determined by ethnic and caste background. Rather, it is district and cultural values that explain moderate participation whilst level of education explains high rates of participation. These variables cut across caste and ethnic groups, which are the factors commonly offered as explanations for differences in participation. The data show that empowerment has taken place and inclusion in civil society and political activities is widespread among all segments of the population. The present challenge for social exclusion is to translate the high activity levels in the population into effective policies and non-discriminatory institutional practices.